Ornithine

Why ornithine is good for you

Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid and is produced in the body. Ornithine is important as it stimulates the human growth hormone to be released in the body, which in turn helps with fat metabolism.

Ornithine is also required for a healthy immune system and assists in ammonia detoxification and liver rejuvenation and health.

Important ornithine facts

• Ornithine is metabolised during urea production and is required by the body as it acts as a precursor of citrulline, proline and glutamic acid
• High concentrations of ornithine are found in the skin and connective tissue, making it useful for promoting healing and repairing damaged tissues

Ornithine works best with

• Arginine
• Carnitine

Ornithine and health

• Recovery after surgery – ornithine has been found in some studies to assist in the recovery process after surgery.
• Athletic endurance – ornithine has be shown in studies to improve endurance in strenuous athletic activity.

Talk to a medical professional about ornithine supplements before taking them

Groups at risk of ornithine deficiency

Since the body can produce ornithine, deficiency is rare.

Symptoms of ornithine deficiency

Since the body can produce ornithine, deficiency is rare.

Ornithine in food

Ornithine is abundant in all protein foods, but best food sources are: meat, fish, dairy and eggs.

Ornithine recommended daily intake (RDI)

Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for ornithine

There are no reported side effects from the use of ornithine, but the following groups should NOT take L-ornithine supplements:

• Children
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Schizophrenia patients

Precautions

Interactions

References

• Osiecki H, Meeke F, Smith J, The Encyclopaedia of Clinical Nutrition – Volume 1: The Nervous System, BioConceps Publishing QLD 2004

Last reviewed and updated: 8 May 2024