Ornithine
Alternative Medicine
The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase.Also indexed as:
L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate, OA, Ornithine-Aspartate
Ornithine, an amino acid, is manufactured by the body when another amino acid, arginine, is metabolized during the production of urea (a constituent of urine).
Where is it found?
As with amino acids in general, ornithine is predominantly found in meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. Western diets typically provide 5 grams per day. The body also produces ornithine.
Health Concerns
Ornithine has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Rating Health Concerns Liver cirrhosis (hepatic encephalopathy) (L-ornithine-L-aspartate)
Recovery from illness (ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate)Athletic performance (for body composition and strength) Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Deficiency Symptoms
Who is likely to be deficient?
Since ornithine is produced by the body, a deficiency of this nonessential amino acid is unlikely, though depletion can occur during growth or pregnancy, and after severe trauma or malnutrition.1
Dosage
How much is usually taken?
Most people would not benefit from ornithine supplementation. In human research involving ornithine, 5-10 grams are typically used per day, sometimes combined with arginine.
Side Effects
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No side effects have been reported with the use of ornithine, except for gastrointestinal distress with intakes over 10 grams per day.
The presence of arginine is needed to produce ornithine in the body, so higher levels of this amino acid should increase ornithine production.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with ornithine.
References
Last Review: 09-01-2007
Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.
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| Health Concerns | |
| Deficiency Symptoms | |
| Dosage | |
| Side Effects | |
| References | |