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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Magnesium wins 1 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
9 of 13 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
3 of 4 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Magnesium and Ornithine have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
200-350mg elemental magnesium daily
Evening for sleep/relaxation (glycinate), Morning for energy (malate), Anytime (citrate)
Depends on goal - see notes
2-6g daily
Before exercise for fatigue reduction, Before bed for sleep support
L-Ornithine HCl
1-2 weeks
1-2 weeks
1 week
Immediate
During prolonged exercise
Hours post-exercise
1-2 weeks
Immediate
Magnesium supplementation in pregnancy
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2014) · Meta analysis · n=9090
Women receiving magnesium were significantly less likely to require hospitalisation during pregnancy (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.86; three trials, 1158 women).Of the 10 trials included in the review, only two were judged to be of high quality overall.
Magnesium Supplementation and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=2709
38 RCTs with 2709 participants analyzed
Magnesium and Potassium Supplementation for Systolic Blood Pressure Reduction in the General Normotensive Population: A Systematic Review and Subgroup Meta-Analysis for Optimal Dosage and Treatment Length
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
Both supplements demonstrated greater reductions in SBP for the general population at lower dosages and longer treatment durations.
Comparative Efficacy of Treatment Options for Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (2020) · Meta analysis · n=1563
In a meta-analysis of data from 25 trials, we found rifaximin and lactulose to be most effective for reversal of minimal HE in patients with cirrhosis.
Safety assessment of L-ornithine oral intake in healthy subjects: a systematic review
Amino acids (2025) · Systematic review
The main observed adverse events were gastrointestinal disorders.
Efficacy of L-ornithine L-aspartate for minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Arab journal of gastroenterology : the official publication of the Pan-Arab Association of Gastroenterology (2024) · Meta analysis · n=292
LOLA has significant beneficial effects on reversal of MHE and prevention of OHE in patients with cirrhosis compared with placebo or no intervention.
Based on meta-analysis of 38 RCTs with 2709 participants showing -7.68 mmHg reduction in hypertensive individuals. Effects are greatest in those with hypomagnesemia. Limited evidence in normotensive populations.
Evidence specific to L-ornithine L-aspartate form in cirrhosis patients. Meta-analysis of 292 patients showed significant benefit vs placebo. GI adverse events noted as main side effect. Limited applicability to healthy populations.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Magnesium has a higher evidence score (8.5/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 1 of 3 categories.
For improve deep sleep quality, Magnesium has a higher relevance score (90 vs 55).
No known interactions between Magnesium and Ornithine have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.