Ornithine is a nonessential amino acid. This means the body can produce ornithine on its own. It does this by breaking down an amino acid called arginine. Arginine helps remove toxic ammonia from the body. Ornithine works best in combination with arginine and an amino acid called carnitine. Together, ornithine, arginine and carnitine help build and preserve muscle.
HGH
Ornithine stimulates the release of human growth hormone, known as HGH, from the pituitary gland. HGH levels decline with age. This decline makes synthesizing protein and building muscle more difficult. This shows ornithine's ability to fight age-related muscle loss. Ornithine is twice as able to stimulate ornithine as aginine and carnitine.
Muscle Building
Due to its ability to increase HGH, you may have come across ornithine as an ingredient of bodybuilding supplements. Ornithine can improve strength and protect muscle during intense physical activity. According to a study published in "The International Journal of Nutrition," supplementing 1 g of orinthine with 1 g of arginine increased lean muscle mass in adult males.
Other Information
Orinthine stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, effectively lowering high blood sugar. It also helps remove toxic ammonia and can reduce cirrhosis associated with liver malfunction. Its influence on HGH levels has anti-aging effects on organs. Under the influence of HGH, organs such as the thymus, kidney, spleen and liver have the ability to regenerate.
Sources
You can get ornithine primarily from meat, fish and dairy. Supplements are available in capsule and powder form. Consult your doctor prior to supplementing. Ornithine is best taken on an empty stomach to avoid competition with other amino acids. Taking it at bedtime can enhance peak release of HGH, which occurs after falling asleep. This also improves sleep quality.
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