Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid derived from the breakdown of arginine during the citric acid cycle. It helps build muscle and reduce body fat, especially when combined with the amino acids arginine and carnitine. Ornithine is also necessary for forming citrulline, proline, and glutamic acid, three amino acids that help provide energy to every cell in the body.
The measurement of ornithine, along with 23 other amino acids, is included in the Amino Acids in Plasma and the Amino Acids in Urine tests.
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Ornithine (Orn) is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can synthesize the necessary amount. Ornithine can also be obtained from the diet. Meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs are good sources of this nutrient. Few people are deficient in ornithine unless they are highly malnourished or have some disturbances in the citric acid cycle.
Ornithine helps remove toxic ammonia from the liver and can reduce the effects of liver cirrhosis and disorders associated with liver dysfunction. Research has also shown that ornithine aids in tissue healing and regeneration.
Ornithine is often combined with arginine and marketed as a muscle-building supplement. Laboratory studies have shown that ornithine increases insulin and growth hormone levels needed to build and maintain muscle during intense physical training. Ornithine can also help fight muscle loss, a normal aging process. By helping to increase growth hormone levels, ornithine can help accelerate muscle tissue production and counteract the effects of aging. Although arginine and ornithine help protect and build muscle mass, ornithine is generally considered more effective at stimulating growth hormone production than arginine.
Ornithine is also included in many commercially available sports and protein drinks. No side effects have been reported with its use, although gastrointestinal disturbances may occur with an intake of more than 10 grams daily.
