Arginine: Friend or Foe in Nutrition Support for People with Cancer Tracy R. Smith, PhD, RD, LD Manager, Science Programs, Abbott Nutrition Health InstituteArginine is one of the 20 amino acids found in protein with numerous roles in cellular metabolism. It is nonessential (dispensible) in healthy people because it can be synthesized from other amino acids. However, in people who are seriously ill or injured, arginine requirements are elevated...more.....(includes table: Human Studies of Arginine Supplementation in Cancer Patients)