L-Ornithine - the Amino Acid You Should Know About

There are a lot of amino acids that our body needs like L-Arginine, and L-Ornithine is one of those amino acids. L-Ornithine is a non-protein amino acid so it isn’t coded by DNA, it isn’t an essential dietary amino acid, and it doesn’t create enzymes/protein structures.

What is L-Ornithine?

L-Ornithine is an amino acid that plays a role in the urea cycle. Ornithine is abnormally accumulated in the body in ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. (Wikipedia)

L-Arginine is an essential amino acid that delivers the substrate for the circulating levels of L-Citrulline or L-Ornithine. L-Arginine can directly produce L-Ornithine. L-Ornithine isn’t part of the nitric oxide cycle, however, it is the intermediary used to regulate ammonia and urea concentrations that build in the body. Sometimes this entire cycle is referred to as a nitrogen detoxifying pathway.

The urea cycle includes L-Citrulline, L-Arginine and L-ornithine, all of which are interchangeable in the cycle that’s regulating ammonia concentrations.

Why You Want to Take L-Ornithine

L-Ornithine has anti fatigue benefits. The kidneys take ornithine and convert it into arginine, which we’ve already mentioned. Arginine is used many ways in the body and it is the precursor for nitric oxide, which dilates your blood vessels if you need extra blood to flow to the tissue.

Arginine aids the muscles cells in the production of creatine, which is necessary for the muscles to contract. The research that has been conducted indicates that the consumption of extra ornithine can assist in the promotion of both endurance and physical strength.

For example, in November 2008 a study was published titled "Nutrition Research." This study found that when healthy subjects took additional ornithine they had less exercise-induced fatigue than a placebo group. The conclusion was that Ornithine helps create a more efficient use of energy at the cellular level, and it was recommended as a nutritional supplement to prevent fatigue.

L-Ornithine Doses

L-Ornithine uses the same transporters that L-Arginine uses. Research for Ornithine dosages has not been as in-depth as those for Arginine, but the general consensus is that their motifs are similar so the oral dose should be similar at around 2 to 6 gram for maximum efficiency. Do not make the mistake of thinking that more is better. It has actually been shown that higher doses are less effective.

Taking Ornithine in a serum is much different than taking a dietary supplement. Oral ingestion is said to be 40-170 mg/kg, however, you should always get your dosage from a professional. The injection works within 45 minutes (when it peaks) and somewhere between 4 and 6 hours it starts to decline. The increase in L-Ornithine has not been quantified.

One study has noted a transient increase in the three Branched Chain Amino Acids after 4 hours of exhaustive exercise that was preloaded with 6g Ornithine (two doses of 3g separated by 2 hours) in the range of 4.4-9 percent.(Sugino T, et al. L-ornithine supplementation attenuates physical fatigue in healthy volunteers by modulating lipid and amino acid metabolism. Nutr Res. (2008).

L-Ornithine is also found in the HGH supplement GenF20 Plus, which has many benefits including reversing the signs of aging, increasing energy, increasing lean muscle mass, decreasing body fat, and the list goes on. When Ornithine is included in the researched formula of amino acids and natural ingredients its benefits are supported. This is a great way to take Ornithine.

The Benefits of L-Ornithine

L-Ornithine is thought to be key when ammonia levels become high, as a result of clinical liver conditions or more commonly because of lengthy cardio exercises. Two studies examined lengthy exercise and how L-Ornithine can reduce ammonia. The studies confirmed Ornithine helps to reduce fatigue.

In addition, others have reported a decrease in fatigue when suffering from hepatic encephalopathy or when a person has a hangover that’s the result of drinking too much alcohol. It was seen to only work if it was taken prior to drinking.

An older study took L-Ornithine and paired it with L-Arginine. It saw a direct enhancement in the lean muscle mass and power output of bodybuilders and weight lifters. However, this study is older and there have not been any recent studies that have replicated these results.

Some more recent studies have shown with L-Ornithine comes an increase in HGH that is similar to what happens with L-Arginine. L-Ornithine seems to be able to reduce the ammonia concentrations that are found in the blood. As a result, it can improve your performance when exercise is length lasting over 45 minutes.

How and Why You Should Take an L-Ornithine Supplement

L-Ornithine can be purchased as a supplement at your local health food store or online. Be sure to follow the directions when you take it. It will be especially helpful if you exercise for long periods of time where ammonia builds up in the body.

Another option that is even more effective and provides greater benefits is to get your L-Ornithine in GenF20 Plus, which is a well researched HGH supplement. GenF20 Plus is made up of natural ingredients and amino acids to help the pituitary gland increase HGH production. The benefits are very real – a reversal on signs of aging, more energy, improved lean muscle mass, decreased fat, more energy, increased libido, and the list goes on. To try Genf20 Plus click here!

When you get your L-Ornithine in combination with other amino acids synergy occurs as they work together to achieve the maximum benefits for your body. You get to enjoy this without much thought to the process. This is a great way to get the maximum benefits from L-Ornithine and other amino acids.