Arginine and ornithine are both amino acids, vital molecules that connect to form the core structure of protein. Arginine and ornithine represent popular supplements used to treat various conditions, including coronary artery disease and insulin resistance. These supplements also boost athletic performance, promote wound healing and combat inflammation, according to recent research. Speak to your doctor or health care provider about safe methods of arginine and ornithine supplementation.
Role
Arginine supplements affect the body in several ways. They initiate protein production and enhance tissue healing, sperm production, muscle growth and vasodilation – the widening of blood vessels. Arginine also prevents cachexia, the muscle-wasting syndrome that often afflicts those with serious illnesses such as cancer, according to MayoClinic.com. Ornithine’s principle role in the body is to facilitate the excretion of surplus nitrogen, a chemical element involved in growth and digestion. Ornithine supplements also support proper liver function and maintain a healthy immune system, according to Stanford University's Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base.
Inflammation
Arginine supplements also demonstrate the ability to minimize inflammation in patients with cardiovascular illness, according to a 2009 study. Researchers from the Scientific Institute San Raffaele in Italy recruited 32 patients with cardiovascular disease and supplemented them with 6.4 grams of arginine for six months. At the conclusion of the study, the researchers found that the levels of inflammatory proteins such as interleukin-6 dropped significantly. These results appeared in the September issue of the journal “Metabolism.”
GH and IGF-1
Ornithine and arginine supplements also show a positive impact on growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1, or GH and IGF-1, respectively, according to a 2010 study. Researchers from the Academy of Physical Education in Poland examined the effect of ornithine and arginine supplementation on expert resistance-trained athletes and found considerable improvement in both GH and IGF-1. The results of this study appeared in the April issue of the “Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.”
Endothelial Function
The interior layer of blood vessels is called the endothelium. Endothelial dysfunction relates to multiple cardiovascular problems, including hardening of the arteries. Arginine supplementation boosts endothelial function, according to a 2005 study. Researchers from the National Yang-Ming University in Taiwan supplemented 31 coronary artery disease patients with arginine for one month and found that blood flow and endothelial function both increased significantly. These results appeared in the December issue of the journal “Clinical Nutrition.”
References
- MayoClinic.com; Arginine; August 2011
- Stanford University; Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base; L-Ornithine
- "Metabolism"; Oral L-Arginine Supplementation Improves Endothelial Function and Ameliorates Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammation in Cardiopathic Nondiabetic Patients after an Aortocoronary Bypass; P. Lucotti, et al.; September 2009
- "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research"; Arginine and Ornithine Supplementation Increases Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Serum Levels after Heavy-Resistance Exercise in Strength-Trained Athletes; A. Zajac, at al.; April 2010
- "Clinical Nutrition"; L-Arginine Improves Endothelial Function and Reduces LDL Oxidation in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease; W.H. Yin, at al.; December 2005
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