Juven versus Arginaid Extra: What are the Differences?

Michelle Csergei, BSN, RN

Introduction

Wounds are a common problem in the world of healthcare that lead to decreased quality of life for patients and high medical costs. Nearly 2.5% of Americans suffer from a chronic wound¹. Any product or treatment that may result in a shortened healing time should be considered for use.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements are generally an inexpensive and non-invasive option to aid in wound healing. While there are numerous products out there, this article focuses on comparing the active ingredients in Juven and Arginaid Extra. Both of these products can be added to a drink. Each possible ingredient is listed, and its effect on the healing process is reviewed. Each product and the ingredients they contain are listed in the chart below.

Supplement Ingredients

L-Arginine

Arginine is an amino acid that aids the body in building protein. It increases blood flow by dilating blood vessels in the body, which allows more oxygen and nutrients to be delivered for faster wound healing.

It is known as a semi-essential amino acid. The body can produce this on its own. However, during times of growth, illness, and/or metabolic stress, it cannot produce enough to meet the needs of the individual⁴.

Multiple studies have shown improvements in various types of wounds with patients taking arginine⁵.

L-Glutamine

Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that the body produces to enhance the synthesis of protein. It is involved in the production of collagen and helps to support the immune system⁶.

It is presumed that in patients with non-healing wounds or during times of stress, muscles are producing more glutamine to maintain levels in the blood.

Collagen protein

Collagen helps to stop bleeding and cleanse the wound. It is used in the formation of new tissue and blood vessels and is involved in the process of wound healing from start to finish.

Oral collagen supplements can increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density with little to no side effects⁷.

One study saw improvements in patients with pressure injuries taking oral collagen after eight weeks⁸.

Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB)

HMB Slows muscle breakdown and enhances protein synthesis. The body makes HMB by breaking down the amino acid called leucine, which is found in protein⁹.

A study of patients taking a combination of HMG, arginine, and glutamine did not show significant differences in PUSH (Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing) score, but did show an increase in tissue viability after two weeks¹⁰.

Vitamin C

A vitamin involved in all phases of wound healing¹¹.

Vitamin E

A vitamin with antioxidant properties¹².

Vitamin B12

A vitamin involved in the process of red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function, and the production of DNA¹³.

Zinc

A mineral that is involved in the production of muscle tissue and cell membranes¹⁴.

Conclusion

There are multiple nutritional supplements that can be administered to patients to improve wound healing. The evidence does not show one individual supplement to be a clear winner in wound healing. Multiple studies show that patients have increased healing when taking a combination of the previously listed supplements compared to only taking one at a time¹⁰. This is not surprising since they play different roles in the healing process. This would suggest that these amino acids, minerals, vitamins, etc., work synergistically with one another. There are minimal complaints of negative side effects as well. Offering a patient a product that contains a variety of supplements not only increases the chance of faster healing, but also reduces the number of different pills and/or drinks that the patient has to consume.

References/Resources

1 Human Wound and Its Burden: Updated 2020 Compendium of Estimates: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers

2 Why Juven®?: Juven®

3 ARGINAID®: Nestlé Health Science Medical Hub

4 L-arginine: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER)

5 Arginine and Wound Healing: A Case Study: Advances in Skin & Wound Care

6 Glutamine and Wound Healing: Advances in Skin & Wound Care

7 Role of collagen wound healing, hemostasis, wound debridement, phases: Human BioSciences

8 Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications: National Library of Medicine

9 Healing From the Inside Out: Hydroxymethylbutyrate: Wound Care Nutrition

10 A Systematic Review of Oral Nutritional Supplements and Wound Healing: Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology - SAGE Publications

11 Vitamin C: a wound healing perspective: National Library of Medicine