L-Ornithine
L-Ornithine
is a non-protein amino acid. It is used in the
body in the synthesis of L-arginine, L-proline,
citrulline, and glutamic acid. L-Ornithine is
a basic amino acid, positively charged at physiological
pH. It is also known as alpha,delta-diaminovaleric
acid and 2,5-diaminopentanoic acid. The molecular
formula of L-ornithine is C5H12N2O2, and its
molecular weight is 132.16 daltons.
Function- Ornithine helps to
prompt the release of growth hormone, which
promotes the metabolism of excess body fat.
This effect is enhanced if ornithine is combined
with arginine and carnitine. Ornithine is necessary
for proper immune system, liver function and
plays a vital role in the urea cycle. This amino
acid also detoxifies ammonia and aids in liver
regeneration. High concentrations of ornithine
are found in the skin and connective tissue,
making it useful for promoting healing and repairing
damaged tissues. Patients with burns have been
treated with ornithine and have responded with
faster wound healing.
Deficiency-
There is no pathological deficiency related
to L-ornithine.
Sources-
Animal products such as meat, fish, dairy and
eggs are some of the best sources of L-ornithine.
Precautions-
Supplemental L-ornithine should NOT be taken
by children, nursing mothers, pregnant women,
or anyone with a history of schizophrenia, unless
they are specifically directed to do so by a
physician.
Requirements-
There is no Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)
listed. Individual needs may differ due to clinical
conditions, biochemical individuality and absorption.
All sources of nutrients should be consumed
in their most natural state, in the form of
a variety of foods or supplements when necessary.
Free form amino acid supplements are immediately
absorbed by the body and should be consumed
with natural occurring cofactors for best results.
Consulting with a physician that is properly
trained in the natural healing sciences and
amino acid therapy may be needed for optimum
results.
Written by Jerome
Rerucha D.C..
References-
1. Bucci LR, Hickson JF Jr, Wolinsky I, Pivarnik
JM. Ornithine supplementation and insulin release
in bodybuilders, hit J Sport Nut. 1992; 2:289-291.
2. Fogelholm GM, Naveri HK, Kiilavuori KT, Harkoner
MH. VvK-dose amino acid supplementation: no
effects on serum human growth hormone and insulin
in male weightlifters. bit J Sport Nutr. 1993;
3:290-297.
3. Barbul A. Arginine: biochemistry, physiology,
and therapeutic implications. J Parenter Entered
Nutr. 1986; 10:227-238.
4. Tone PM, Ronnenberg AG, Hartman WJ, Prior
RL. Supplemental arginine and ornithine do not
affect splenocyte proliferation in surgically
treated rats. J Parenter Enteral Nut. 1993:
17:532-536.
