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Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid and is manufactured by the body.
Ornithine helps to prompt the release of growth hormone, which promotes the metabolism of excess body fat. The effect is enhanced if ornithine is combined with arginine and carnitine. Ornithine is necessary for proper immune system and liver function. This amino acid also detoxifies ammonia and aids in liver regeneration. High concentrations of ornithine are found in the skin and connective tissue, making it useful for promoting healing and repairing damaged tissues. There are some unsupported claims that ornithine promotes muscle building, but this has not been proven.
Ornithine is synthesized in the body from the amino acid arginine, when it is metabolized during urea production and is required by the body as it in turn serves as the precursor of citrulline, proline, and glutamic acid. Supplemental L-ornithine should not be taken by children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, or anyone with a history of schizophrenia, unless they are specifically directed to do so by a health care provider.
Sources
It is contained in most protein rich foods but good sources are found in dairy products, meat, fish, and eggs.
Arginine is needed for the production of ornithine and should be supplied in adequate quantities to the body. Carnitine also enhances the effect of this nutrient.
Molecular Description![]()
Ornithine plays an important role in the urea cycle and is the precursor of the amino acids citrulline, glutamic acid, and proline. Another primary role of ornithine is being an intermediate in arginine biosynthesis, although this is due to its participation in the urea cycle (responsible for the production of urea). Ornithine is not directly incorporated into proteins and enzymes and does not have a codon in the genetic code.
Ornithine Deficiency
Since the body can produce ornithine, a deficiency of this non-essential amino acid is rare.
People recouping after surgery and athletes may benefit from this nutrient.
Dosage
The RDA dosage for ornithine has not been established.
In human research involving ornithine, several grams are typically used per day, sometimes combined with arginine.
Toxicity & Symptoms of High Intake
There are no reported side effects from the use of ornithine, but children, pregnant or nursing mothers, or anybody suffering from schizophrenia should NOT take L-ornithine.
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ORNITHINE / L-ORNITHINE SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS
L-Ornithine, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 120 Caps
L-Ornithine is important since it induces the release of growth hormone in the body, which in turn helps with fat metabolism and is further required for a properly functioning immune system and liver and assists in ammonia detoxification and liver rejuvenation.
Tri Amino / L-Arginine, L-Ornithine, L-Lysine, 775 mg NOW Foods, 120 Caps
Tri-Amino, an amino acid supplement, is a comprehensive product that combines three essential amino acids, L-Arginine, L-Ornithine, and L-Lysine into one easy-to-take formula.
Ornithine / L-Ornithine Supplements & Products
HerbalRemedies: Ornithine / L-Ornithine Information
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