Evidence is discussed that puts in question the widely held belief that adult mammals,
including human beings, can meet all of their arginine needs by endogenous synthesis.
Arginine, used in synthesis of body proteins, is essential for ammonia detoxification via urea
synthesis, which prevents metabolic derangements caused by elevations in tissue ammonia.
It is a precursor for polyamine synthesis and is the only source of amidino groups for the
formation of creatine, a major source of high energy phosphate for regeneration of ATP in …