L-Ornithine

L-ornithine is a basic amino acid and is important in the formation of urea. It is a nonprotein amino acid which means that it does not occur in proteins. The body uses it in the biosynthesis of L-arginine, L-proline and polyamines.
L-Ornithine may be very helpful if you are trying to lose fat. It is important because it initiates the release of growth hormone in the body. This can be very helpful with fat metabolism.
The liver and immune system require ornithine to function properly. It assists in ammonia detoxification and liver rejuvenation. Ornithine can also help with healing and repairing skin and tissue and is found in both these body parts. People recovering after surgery and athletes may also benefit from this nutrient.
L-ornithine also helps because it increases the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the body, which in turn dilates blood vessels. This helps bodybuilders and anyone else trying to gain muscle mass, because the L-ornithine improves blood flow (and hence nutrient delivery) to the muscles.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid L-ornithine supplementation. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea may occur with doses higher than 10 grams daily.
Normally, people who use L-ornithine take a dose 500 milligrams to 2 grams, before bedtime and on an empty stomach. Some people combine L-ornithine with similar doses of L-arginine.
L-ornithine does not have the side effect of L-arginine - that of encouraging the growth of herpes-type viruses. This is because the virus cannot make any use of L-ornithine.
L-ornithine is likely to interact with medication for high blood pressure; This is because nitric oxide (increased by L-ornithine) dilates blood vessels and hence decreases resistance to blood flow.