Ornithine
Ornithine is a non-proteinogen amino acid that plays a central role in the urea cycle. Ornithine can be changed to L-arginine through in the production of urea. It assists in detoxification and therefore contributes to liver health.
Ornithine does not belong to the twenty standard amino acids, but it is important in combination with arginine, particularly in the removal of ammonia, a performance-reducing end product of the protein metabolism.1 Besides assisting in liver function and its detoxification, ornithine also helps to accelerate wound healing, improve sleep patterns and increase erectile capability.
Ornithine in combination with arginine leads to more vitality
Ornithine changes to arginine in the body very slowly. As the corresponding effects are long lasting, ornithine is the perfect complement to arginine. The combination of both amino acids stimulates the hormone distribution and production of insulin, generally improves the regeneration capabilities of the body and leads to a noticeably increased vitality. In men, this also has the advantage of being a potency-booster.2
Under normal conditions, the body is able to produce sufficient amounts of both amino acids by itself. However, stress, illness and malaise can limit their production. It is then recommended to increase the intake of food containing arginine and ornithine. Examples of these are fish, meat, dairy products, nuts, rice, soya and wheat. It is also possible to take amino acids in tablet, powder or capsule form. Combination products are particularly effective as other micro nutrients such as zinc, vitamin B and/or biotin are also included.
Sources
1 Lavie, L., Hafetz, A., Luboshitzky, R. & Lavie, P. (2003) Plasma levels of nitric oxide and L-arginine in sleep apnea patients, Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, Volume 21, issue 1, (pp. 57-63)
2 Toda, N., Ayajiki, K. & Okamura, T. (2005) Nitric oxide and penile erectile function, Pharmacol Ther., Volume 106, issue 2, (pp. 233-266)