SCIENTIFIC DIVISION OF TYSON NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.

Chemical Name:2,5-diaminopentanoic acid

Molecular Weight:132.16

Structrual Formula:C5H12N2O2

Nitrogen Content: 16.61%

Ornithine (1)

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).

Ornithine in Food

Ornithine can be found in meat, fish, dairy and eggs.

The presence of arginine is needed to produce ornithine in the body, so higher levels of this amino acid should increase ornithine production.

Ornithine and Hormones (334)

Animal research has suggested that ornithine, along with arginine, may promote muscle-building activity in the body by increasing levels of growth-promoting (anabolic) hormones such as insulin and growth hormone.

In clinical studies on people hospitalized for surgery, generalized infections, cancer, trauma, or burns, supplementation with ornithine alpha- ketoglutarate (OKG) has been reported to produce several beneficial effects. However, most human research does not support these claims at reasonable intake levels. One study that did demonstrate increased growth hormone with oral ornithine used very high amounts (an average of 13 grams per day) and reported many gastrointestinal side effects. One controlled study reported greater increases in lean body mass and strength after five weeks of intensive strength training in athletes taking 1 gram per day each of arginine and ornithine compared with a group doing the exercise but taking a placebo. These findings require independent confirmation.

Side Effects of Ornithine (61)

No side effects have been reported with the use of ornithine, except for gastrointestinal distress with intakes over 10 grams per day.

L-Ornithine Supplement

L-Ornithine is used as a nutritional supplement principally for its putative anabolic activity. There is little evidence to support this use. However, a derivative of L-ornithine called ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate or OKG may, under certain conditions, have immunomodulatory and anticatabolic and/or anabolic actions.

Ornithine Function (335)

Ornithine is important because it induces the release of growth hormone in the body, which in turn helps with fat metabolism. Ornithine is required for a properly functioning immune system and liver. It assists in ammonia detoxification and liver Rejuvenation. Ornithine helps healing and repairing skin and tissue and is found in both these body parts. Unsupported claims that ornithine promotes muscle building, but this has not been proven. Ornithine is helpful for people recouping after surgery and athletes may benefit from this nutrient. L-Ornithine can be changed into L-Arginine in the body and it functions similarly in growth hormone release.

Reference

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