The Non Essential Amino L-Ornithine Is Important For Detoxing The Body

Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid called non-essential because it is manufactured by the body. Animal research has suggested that ornithine, along with arginine, may promote muscle-building activity in the body by increasing levels of growth-promoting (anabolic) hormones such as insulin and growth hormone.

However, most human research does not support these claims at reasonable intake levels. One study that did demonstrate increased growth hormone with oral ornithine used very high amounts (an average of 13 grams per day) and reported many gastrointestinal side effects due to the large quantity of ornithine consumed. One controlled study reported greater increases in lean body mass and strength after five weeks of intensive strength training in athletes taking 1 gram per day each of arginine and ornithine compared with a group doing the exercise but taking a placebo.

In clinical studies on people hospitalized for surgery, generalized infections, cancer, trauma, or burns, supplementation with amino acid ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) has been reported to produce several beneficial effects. A double-blind trial evaluated the effects of OKG supplementation in elderly people recovering from acute illnesses.

Those who took 10 grams of OKG per day for two months had marked improvement in appetite, weight gain, and quality of life compared with those taking the placebo. They also had shorter recovery periods and required fewer home visits by physicians and nurses and needed fewer medications.

Ornithine is important since it can induce the release of growth hormone in the body, which in turn helps with fat metabolism. It is further required for a properly functioning immune system and liver and assists in ammonia detoxification and liver rejuvenation. It is also of use in healing and repairing skin and tissue and is found in both these body parts.

As with amino acids in general, ornithine is predominantly found in meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. The body also produces l-ornithing.

Ornithine is one of the products of the action of the enzyme arginase on L-arginine, creating urea. Therefore, ornithine is a central part of the urea cycle, which allows for the disposal of excess nitrogen and ammonia.

Ornithine is not an amino acid coded for by DNA, and is not involved in protein synthesis. However, in humans the main use of the urea cycle is in arginine biosynthesis, so as an intermediate in metabolic processes, l-ornithing is quite important. Taking supplemental ornithine can help one detox ones body.

In conclusion, this non-essential amino acid is important to help the body detox for both the liver and kidneys as well as it can help the body product more growth hormone demonstrated in several studies. This important amino acid is available in its pure pharmaceutical grade form available as a powder, tablet, or capsule. Ornithine can be purchased at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Ornithine is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.