Is Carnitine Better than Arginine in Terms of Health Benefits?

On October 17, 2011, in Acetyl carnitine, Acetyl L-carnitine, Arginine, Carnitine, by admin

Arginine is one of the most common substances or supplements being compared to carnitine, especially as they are both amino acids. Both substances also have important roles in keeping the human body’s metabolism healthy and in tip-top shape, especially in the aspects of blood pressure and proper dispensation of energy. But if there should be a question regarding which is better, is it possible to determine which should e chosen over the other?

As we have discussed in several occasions, carnitine is good (especially acetyl carnitine), but one should not treat it as the end all and be all of human health. The same thing should be said of arginine—despite the several “astounding” claims about its health benefits (with the person who discovered its role and function even winning a Nobel Prize in 1998)—it is still just part of the big picture, and the big picture is a good non-abusive healthy lifestyle.

Taking carnitine or arginine in the context of achieving certain health benefits should not gloss over the fact of a person’s overall habits, such as diet, smoking or engaging in the ingestion of particular drugs.

Having said that, however, there is no denying that arginine and carnitine—especially when taken to compliment each other—can do wonders to health. Both can lower blood pressure and help the body regain its former functions that are otherwise damaged through aging.

It is important to note, however, that generally, most people do not even need supplementation of either arginine or carnitine. Eat enough well-balanced diet—and by well-balanced we mean cruciferous veggies and fruits, red meat, and certain nuts—and you can bet you are already receiving sufficient amounts of these substances on a daily basis. But of course, one may lead a busy lifestyle that leaves one with little choice regarding the management of the food one eats—daily situations may often force us to just have the easy way out and eat food from a can or a box of cereals. So therefore, such should warrant carnitine or arginine supplementation.

Moreover, if you have an underlying medical conditions, such as if you’re suffering from trauma or infection, then your body needs carnitine or arginine (or both) supplements to help your body recover and achieve a stable health.