L-Ornithine
L-Ornithine is an amino acid that is commonly used as a nutritional and health supplement because of its muscle building properties. It is highly involved in the metabolic process, and it is something that the body can produce on its own or found in red meat, eggs, and fish.
Reported Effects
1) Helps build muscle and physical strength.
2) Prevents muscle loss.
3) Aids in speeding up the healing process.
Some of the common effects of L-Ornithine include:
Builds muscle – combined with other compounds such as arginine, these amino acids help build muscle if taken as supplements. It allegedly increases growth hormones during times of physical stress and intense training. This is the reason why the use of this product has been widely embraced by people who are into sports and bodybuilding.
Physical strength - It also increases physical strength which would help you lift heavier objects and endure more difficult activities. Increased physical strength is also one of the objectives of people going to the gym, and this often results to a better looking physique and fat reduction.
Prevent muscle loss – the aging process can lead to muscle loss and muscle degeneration, and this amino acid speeds up the growth hormones that serve to counteract that. It also fights muscle fatigue and weakness.
Healing – this is used to help people heal faster after physical trauma or even surgery. It has properties that speed up healing, and it also helps in the improvement of the patient’s appetite and mood. People who suffer from severe burns have also healed at a much faster rate with this type of supplementation.
Cirrhosis – this also helps in prevention of complications for patients who have liver cirrhosis. It prevents hepatic encephalopathy, which is fatal if left untreated.
Possible Dangers
Being a naturally produced amino acid, there is a small likelihood that there are deficiencies or dangerous effects in taking L-ornithine. This is not recommended, however, for pregnant or nursing women as there may be some unknown effects to the child.
People who suffered severe trauma or malnutrition may also have become deficient in this compound. Other minimal effects include insomnia, vomiting, nausea and other gastrointestinal disturbances. There should be no issues if taken within the regular or acceptable dosage.
FDA Approved?
No supplier has provided the Food and Drug Administration with any scientific evidence that amino acids are useful in treating or curing any disease or condition. Neither has the FDA approved any amino acid for any such use.
Studies
Certain studies report that a combination of l-ornithine and arginine promotes muscle building activity, increase in strength and better lean muscle. These studies, however, need to be confirmed through further studies. Other studies and trials on the use and effects of L-ornithine include:
1. The Journal of Sports Medicine published in 1989 concluded that taking l-ornithine and arginine increased muscle mass and strength. This is according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
2. A 1994 study reported that supplements with l-ornithine improved the appetite, helped with weight improvement, and resulted in a better quality of life in general.
3. A 1998 study claimed that the supplementation resulted to improved wound healing and reduced hospital time for people who suffer from severe burns.
Supplements using this Ingredient:
1. Gaspari Nutrition SizeOn Maximum Performance
2. Healthy ‘N Fit Advanced GH Enhancers
3. MuscleTech NaNO Vapor Hardcore Pro Series
4. Universal GH Max
5. NOW Arginine & Ornithine
6. Fusion Bodybuilding Shut-Eye
7. NOW Tri-Amino
8. Universal NOX3
9. Ultimate Nutrition Arginine / Ornithine / Lysine
10. Universal GH Stack
Conclusion
There is a long way to go and a lot more research that needs to be done in order to scientifically conclude that L-ornithine can really produce the benefits listed above. For now, we mostly rely on information from limited research coupled with years of traditional use.
Nonetheless, L-ornithine, bioperine and other compounds are still widely used as ingredients in many health supplements.
Tags: L-Ornithine
