Ornithine amino acid information page

Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid and is manufactured by the body, the amino acid, arginine, is metabolized during urea production and is required by the body as it acts as a precursor of citrulline, proline and glutamic acid.

on this page

• Ornithine is required for
• Deficiency of ornithine
• Dosage
• Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
• Best used with
• When more may be required
• Food sources of ornithine
• Ornithine found in the following Zest for Life products

Ornithine is required for

Ornithine is important since it 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. There are some unsupported claims that ornithine promotes muscle building, but this has not been proven.

Deficiency of ornithine

Since the body can produce ornithine, a deficiency of this non-essential amino acid is rare.

Dosage

The dosage listed is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

In human research involving ornithine, several grams are typically used per day, sometimes combined with arginine.

Toxicity and 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.

Best used with

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.

When more may be required

People recouping after surgery and athletes may benefit from this nutrient.

Food sources of ornithine

The body can manufacture ornithine but is abundant in protein foods such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs.

Ornithine found in the following Zest for Life products

• None

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Nutritional information

Here are some information page on which you can read more about a specific nutrient and the role it plays in our general well-being. Please note - we do not use or sell all of these compounds but include the information for the benefit of our clients and visitors. To visit our selection of vitamin products please click here.