Daily Recommended Allowance Of Ornithine

The amino acid arginine produces the non-essential amino acid ornithine that eventually converts into urea. Ornithine and arginine are essential for your metabolism to build muscles and reduce body fat, which is why supplements touting the inclusion of the amino acids are marketed to bodybuilders and dieters. Supplements typically are not necessary, however, because the body typically produces sufficient amounts of arginine and ornithine to meet daily recommended allowances.

Sources

According to VitaGuide.org, ornithine is produced naturally in the body. The primary source of this non-essential amino acid is through high-protein foods such as eggs, fish, meat and dairy products. Most diets provide sufficient daily amounts. Medical professionals and nutritionists use supplements in the form of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate, or OKG. Combination supplements that also include arginine also are popular muscle-enhancing tools.

Uses

Ornithine helps to increase growth hormone levels and increase muscle mass, making it a popular anti-aging supplement. OKG has been used successfully in hospital settings to treat burns, cancer, trauma and infections. It improves the body's ability to heal and increases appetite to aid in the recovery process. Ornithine asparate is another derivative of the supplement that is used to treat brain dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Supplements may be most beneficial to those who don't get enough in their daily diet due to sickness and disease.

Allowances

Most healthy people do not need to take ornithine supplements. According to the Food and Nutrition Board, a diet that includes sufficient protein provides the amino acids needed for muscle development. Adult females over the age of 19 should get about 38 g of protein per day, while men should take in closer to 46 g to receive sufficient ornithine. People who take ornithine supplements typically take between 5 g and 10 g per day.

Benefits

Ornithine is also taken by athletes and body builders, who take ornithine and arginine supplements to increase their muscle mass and improve performance. The combination supplements are available in a variety of forms from powder to pills and usually contain about 250 mg of ornithine, according to the L-Arginine.org website. By themselves, the supplements cannot improve athletic abilities, but they may be useful as an adjunct to rigorous training.

Considerations

A rare genetic disorder called ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency can lead to toxic ammonia levels in the body. The disorder usually appears at birth when infants have trouble breathing, lack energy and refuse to eat. Babies may develop seizures and developmental delays. For others, symptoms remain dormant until later in life. Treatment usually consists of limiting protein consumption.