Arginine and creatine are amino acids, which serve as the building blocks of protein. Each has a different purpose in the body and both are necessary for muscle development. Your body manufactures creatine in the kidneys, liver and pancreas. On the other hand, your diet supplies your body with the arginine it needs through foods such as meat and seafood. Supplements of each amino acid are available over-the-counter, but consult your doctor before trying them.
Arginine
Also called L-arginine, arginine is involved in protein synthesis, removal of ammonia from your body and in energy production. Once consumed, arginine converts to nitric oxide, or NO, which has a significant effect on your blood vessels. It causes the blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow. According to MedlinePlus, this increase in blood circulation makes arginine supplements effective for treating congestive heart failure, erectile dysfunction and other diseases related to poor blood flow. In relation to athletic performance, arginine may help to deliver nutrients to your muscles more effectively.
Creatine
Creatine supplements provide additional bursts of energy during short, high-intensity exercise, such as lifting weights. This amino acid is stored in your muscle tissue and converts to the muscle's main source of energy, ATP, when needed. ATP supplies synthesize within a matter of seconds when lifting heavy weight, and creatine restocks lost ATP to prolong muscle energy. The result is more repetitions and sets during each workout. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, creatine supplements are not effective for endurance athletes or individuals who don't perform resistance training regularly.
Combining
A 2004 review published in the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition" examined the effects of arginine and creatine supplementation as it relates to athletic performance. In theory, the combination of the two supplements makes perfect sense. The researchers, however, found no substantial benefit associated with combining the two supplements. It did point out the benefits of supplementing creatine alone, which includes increased strength and muscle size. Based on this research, there's no reason to say arginine increases the effectiveness of creatine.
Risks/Safety
The two supplements seem to be safe when consumed concurrently; however, each carries its own risks and side effects. Avoid taking arginine if you take any medication that affects your blood pressure. Don't take creatine with excessive caffeine, NSAID medicines or kidney medications. Children younger than 19 years shouldn't take creatine supplements due to a lack of research in that area. Consult your doctor to determine if creatine and/or arginine is right for you and, if so, how much to take each day.
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