What is the Difference Between L-Arginine and L-Carnitine

The main difference between L-arginine and L-carnitine is that L-arginine helps to improve blood flow and stimulates the release of insulin and growth hormones, whereas L-carnitine helps the body produce energy from fat.

L- Arginine and L- Carnitine are two types of amino acids. Amino acids are organic compounds that contain both amino and carboxylic functional groups in their structures. In fact, amino acids combine together to form proteins. There is a wide range of amino acids in nature. In the human body, there are 20 different amino acids. We can categorize them into two groups: essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids. Non-essential amino acids are amino acids the body produces. However, the body cannot produce essential amino acids, so you have to take them in from the outside. L- Arginine and L- Carnitine are two non-essential amino acids.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is L-Arginine 
     – Definition, Function, Features
2. What is L-Carnitine
     – Definition, Function, Features
3. Difference Between L-Arginine and L-Carnitine
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

L-Arginine, L-Carnitine

What is L-Arginine

L-Arginine is an amino acid with the molecular formula of C₆H₁₄N₄O₂. The molar mass of L-Arginine is 146.14 g/mol. It exists as a white crystal or a powder. The melting point of L- arginine is 244°C, while its water solubility is 15 g/L. L- Arginine can be found in meat, dairy products, soy, whole grains, beans, meat, and flesh. Moreover, L-arginine stimulates the production of growth hormones and insulin.

L-arginine is sometimes converted into a chemical called nitric oxide, which helps open blood vessels wider. Therefore, L-arginine acts as a vasodilator. However, in old people, the ability to produce nitric oxide in the artery linings decreases. Moreover, the dietary intake or supplementary intake of L-arginine can increase and restore these nitric oxide levels and improve fertility, detoxification, brain power, and immune functions.

Furthermore, L-arginine is effective for chest pain, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure (even during pregnancy), serious intestinal diseases in premature infants, peripheral arterial disease, pregnancy complications associated with high blood pressure, and proteins in urine.

What is L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid with the molecular formula C₇H₁₅NO₃. It has a molar mass of 161.199 g/mol. L-carnitine is made in the human brain, liver, and kidneys by amino acids, lysine, and methionine. Generally, the body requires sufficient amounts of vitamin C to produce L-carnitine. The main role of L-carnitine is to transport fatty acids to the mitochondria of cells in order to produce energy.  

L-carnitine can also be taken from outside into the body through food such as meat. L- carnitine can increase the levels of L carnitine levels in people whose natural L-carnitine level is low. It is also important in heart and brain functions and muscle movement.

Furthermore, L-carnitine is effective for chest pain, heart failure, kidney failure, hyperlipidemia (having high levels of cholesterol or lipids in the blood), male infertility, swelling of the heart, toxic side effects caused by valproic acid, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Difference Between L-Arginine and L-Carnitine

Definition

L-arginine is an amino acid derivative that helps the body build proteins, while L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that helps in the production of energy by transporting fatty acids into cells’ mitochondria.

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of L-arginine is C₆H₁₄N₄O_2, whereas the molecular formula of L-carnitine is C₇H₁₅NO₃.

Synthesis

L arginine is synthesized in the small intestine, while L-carnitine is synthesized in the kidneys and liver.

Function

L-arginine helps to improve blood flow and stimulates the release of insulin and growth hormones, whereas L-carnitine helps the body produce energy from fat.

Conclusion

There are many different types of amino acids. In brief, L-arginine and L- carnitine are two types of amino acids the body produces. The main difference between L-arginine and L-carnitine is that L-arginine helps to improve blood flow and stimulates the release of insulin and growth hormones, whereas L-carnitine helps the body to produce energy from fat.

Reference:

1. “L-arginine: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More.” Healthline.
2. “L-Carnitine: Benefits, Side Effects, Sources and Dosage.” Healthline.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine” (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “L-arginine (phosphagen)” By J3D3 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia