Agmatine and Arginine are compounds often compared for their potential health benefits. While both are derived from the amino acid L-arginine, they have different properties and applications. Today, Nutri Avenue will introduce these two ingredients and try to discuss the question, “Agmatine VS Arginine: Which one is better?”
Agmatine VS Arginine: What Are They?
What Is Agmatine?
Agmatine is a primary amino compound. It belongs to the guanidine class of compounds. It has the effects of E. coli metabolites and mouse metabolites. It is the conjugate base of agmatium(2+). Agmatine is a natural metabolite of the amino acid arginine. It is a component formed by the decarboxylation of Arginine by arginine decarboxylase. It is also found naturally in ragweed pollen, ergot fungus, octopus muscle, herring sperm, sponges, and mammalian brains.
Agmatine is an experimental and investigational drug. As an investigational drug, an open-label prospective case study was conducted in the United States. It studied patients aged 18 to 75 diagnosed with small fiber peripheral neuropathy. As an experimental drug, Agmatine is also being studied for a variety of indications, such as cardioprotection, diabetes, decreased renal function, neuroprotection, and psychiatric disorders.
Because Agmatine is derived from Arginine, it is often used as a pre-workout aid. In particular, agmatine sulfate, a salt form of Agmatine combined with sulfuric acid, increases NO levels primarily by affecting the enzymes that control NO production. It may improve athletic performance and recovery. However, there is currently no credible research supporting sulfur’s effectiveness.
It is not difficult to see from the above that the exact mechanism of action of Agmatine for all potential indications is still under investigation.
What Is Arginine?
Arginine is classified as a semi-essential amino acid. It performs multiple functions in the body. For example, it is involved in protein synthesis, promotes wound healing, supports immune function, and regulates hormone secretion. Arginine is also a precursor of nitric oxide. So, this amino acid enhances blood flow and may affect cardiovascular health and athletic performance. It is a popular energizer. As a result, its supplement manufacturers claim this increases blood flow and improves muscle performance and recovery.
However, the results of clinical studies are not very satisfactory. Arginine may have significant benefits in untrained or moderately trained individuals. At this point, researchers may recommend citrulline, a precursor to Arginine, as a more effective and research-proven option. In addition, there is another form of Arginine on the market called arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG), which is very popular. This form is more efficient due to increased ATP production. However, its studies have also shown mixed results.
Agmatine VS Arginine: What’s The Difference?
Other supplement ingredients often used with Arginine include citrulline, ornithine, and arginase. Arginase converts L-arginine into L-ornithine and urea. Agmatine is a chemical naturally produced from Arginine.
Therefore, although Agmatine is derived from Arginine, there are still obvious differences between the two. From the perspective of their bodily functions, Agmatine mainly acts as a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter. It affects neurological processes such as pain perception and emotion regulation. And the benefits of L-arginine go beyond producing NO to aid circulation. It plays an important role in nerve signaling, cell replication, and fighting oxidative stress that leads to disease and signs of aging.
Agmatine VS Arginine: Which One Is Better?
Agmatine and Arginine are both commonly used in sports nutrition supplements and are recommended pre-workout supplements. From this perspective, because there are many studies on Arginine and the data shows that it is relatively safer, Nutri Avenue recommends it as one of the main ingredients of sports nutrition supplements. Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is also one of its more popular forms. If the product wants to choose Agmatine as one of the main ingredients, Nutri Avenue recommends choosing agmatine sulfate with higher bioavailability.
On their own, Agmatine and Arginine may be better for those looking to support neurological health and cognitive function. Instead, Arginine may be better suited for products that promote muscle growth, support immune function, and enhance athletic performance.
Conclusion
Agmatine and L-Arginine are two compounds derived from L-arginine. Each compound has unique properties and applications. Through the exploration of the topic “Agmatine VS Arginine,” it is not difficult to find that Arginine plays more roles in the body, including fighting inflammation, reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis and heart attacks, repairing blood vessels, improving exercise performance and high-intensity exercise endurance, etc.
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