Ornithine is an amino acid produced by your body when it breaks down another amino acid, arginine, during the production of urea, a component of urine. Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning your body produces it. It is also necessary for the manufacture of three other amino acids -- citrulline, proline and glutamic acid -- which help supply energy to every cell in your body.
Sources
In general, foods that are protein-rich are good sources of ornithine. These include beef, pork, fish, eggs and milk, with beef and pork having the highest ornithine content. According to herbs2000.com, the average Western diet provides 5 mg of ornithine daily. Because your body produces ornithine, deficiencies are rare. However, pregnant women and adolescents experiencing growth spurts may suffer from an ornithine deficiency. In addition, malnutrition or an extreme physical trauma can result in a deficiency. Although most healthy people do not require ornithine supplements, five to 25 g is a typical dose for those who take them.
Health Benefits
One important function of ornithine is to help remove toxic ammonia from your body by converting it into urea, which is eliminated in urination. Ornithine also aids in breaking down or metabolizing excess fat in your body by helping with the release of human growth hormone, which rapidly breaks down fat. In addition, ornithine is essential to the proper functioning of both your immune system and your liver, and it could help prevent cirrhosis. It also may help speed up your healing process after an infection, an injury or a burn.
Sports Supplement
Due to its role in the production of human growth hormone, ornithine is taken by many bodybuilders and other athletes to increase muscle mass, strength and energy. It is also valued by athletes because its removal of ammonia from the body aids in muscle recovery. The website Nutros.com reports that 500 mg of ornithine, taken in combination with 1000 mg of arginine, another non-essential amino acid, may be effective in raising growth hormone levels in some athletes.
Precautions
Taking more than 10 g of ornithine a day may result in upset stomach, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Ornithine may stimulate the herpes virus, and you should not take supplements if you have a herpes infection. Ornithine supplements should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, or anyone with a known history of schizophrenia. Supplements should not be given to infants, children or adolescents. Doses of 20 g or more of ornithine and arginine may induce bone and joint deformities. As with any drug or supplement, your should talk with your healthcare professional before taking ornithine supplements.
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