L-ornithine is an amino acid created in the body from L-arginine metabolism. In rare cases, certain people may become deficient in L-ornithine, which is typically found in fish, meat and dairy products. Because L-ornithine deficiencies are unlikely for most people, you should consult your doctor before taking this supplement to discuss the proper dosage and potential health risks.
Aids in Recovery
If you’re recovering from a severe physical trauma, major surgery or debilitating illness, your body might not produce the normal amounts of L-ornithine and glutamine, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A report published in 1986 in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" determined that during this time of recovery, you could become deficient in L-ornithine and require a supplement, notes the University of Michigan Health System. The same is true if you’re recovering from pregnancy or malnutrition. A study of hospital patients overcoming severe illnesses that was published in the "Journal Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care" in 1998 found that L-ornithine appears to inhibit cortisone. Cortisone is a hormone that’s typically elevated when your body isn’t using proteins efficiently and is essentially breaking down muscle. L-ornithine appears to stimulate the opposite type of bodily activity, encouraging your body to build muscle and utilize proteins consumed in your diet. Most human clinical trials of L-ornithine have used a dosage of 5 to 10 g daily, notes the University of Michigan. Up to 25 g of L-ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate might be taken as a daily dosage, the University of Pittsburgh states. Some people have experienced gastrointestinal problems like stomach pain and diarrhea when taking more than 10 g per day of L-ornithine.
Enhances Sports Performance
Its muscle-building effect has made L-ornithine a somewhat popular sports supplement, typically used by bodybuilders and other athletes. People sometimes take L-ornithine supplements to increase muscle in their body composition and enhance their physical strength. One study of men published in the "Journal of Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness" in 1989 found that taking a supplement containing L-ornithine and L-arginine helped to increase strength and lean muscle mass, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Treats Cirrhosis Complications
If you have cirrhosis of the liver, taking an L-ornithine supplement could potentially help to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Hepatic encephalopathy is an often fatal complication of cirrhosis. A 2008 study published in the "Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology" found that taking L-ornithine-l-aspartate helped to treat or prevent hepatic encephalopathy, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A similar study published in the "Journal Metabolic Brain Disease" in 2002 found the same results.
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