L-Ornithine Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects Supplement Information and Usage Guide
L-Ornithine is an amino acid that helps remove ammonia from the body, supporting detoxification and improving exercise performance and recovery.
L-Ornithine is a non-protein amino acid involved in the urea cycle, helping the body eliminate excess nitrogen and ammonia.
It supports liver detoxification and may reduce fatigue during prolonged physical activity by promoting metabolic recovery.
L-Ornithine is used for liver health and athletic endurance. It is considered safe when taken in appropriate amounts.
Other names & forms of L-Ornithine supplement : ornithine, l-ornithine supplement, non-proteinogenic amino acid
Benefits
L-Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a key role in the urea cycle by helping convert ammonia to urea for excretion, and may also stimulate growth hormone release during sleep.
- Helps support Muscle Performance & Recovery by reducing ammonia buildup and promoting lean body mass maintenance.
- May aid in Detoxification & Cleansing by facilitating ammonia removal and supporting liver function.
- Contributes to General Health through improved nitrogen balance and enhanced metabolic efficiency.
- Often used to support endurance athletes by reducing fatigue during prolonged exercise.
Dosage
Health professionals suggest that the dosage of L-Ornithine supplement be customized for each individual:
- Detox and endurance: 1000–3000 mg/day of L-Ornithine, often taken before sleep or workouts.
- Uses: Supports ammonia clearance, growth hormone release, and fatigue reduction.
- Forms: Capsules or powder.
- Recommendation: Take on an empty stomach, ideally before bed or training.
Side Effects
L-Ornithine supports the urea cycle and detox pathways, but initial dosing may cause mild effects. Watch for:
- Possible mild gastrointestinal upset—nausea or cramps—particularly when taken on an empty stomach
- Occasional headache or lightheadedness in sensitive users
- Rare skin rash or itching—hypersensitivity reactions
- Temporary mild increase in fatigue during detoxification phases
- Very mild fluctuations in sleep quality—monitor your response
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Growth hormone therapies: L-Ornithine may stimulate GH release; when used with prescription GH, monitor IGF-1 levels.
- Ammonia-reducing supplements: Ornithine combined with arginine can enhance urea cycle support—generally safe when monitored.
Precautions
Before supplementing with L-Ornithine, confirm none of these apply. If they do, consult your healthcare provider:
- Individuals with liver disease: Urea cycle modulation may be affected; use under supervision
- People with kidney impairment: Excretion may be reduced; monitor renal function
- Those with gout: Uric acid fluctuations possible; monitor levels
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Limited data; stick to dietary sources unless advised
- Patients scheduled for surgery: Discontinue one week prior—possible anesthesia interactions and detox balance
Studies
These studies provide scientific insights into L-Ornithine benefits:
No RCTs have specifically examined L-ornithine supplementation for fatigue reduction, sleep quality, or ammonia detoxification in humans, despite its role in the urea cycle.
Available data are confined to small open-label or pharmacodynamic studies, lacking placebo-controlled trials.
This article was originally published on Stackbb.com, your trusted source for science-based supplement guides.
Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page about L-Ornithine supplement is for informational purposes only and has not been reviewed or validated by a medical professional. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or part of your healthcare regimen. Individual needs and responses to supplements may vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.