When the amino acid arginine is metabolized during the production of urea (a component of urine), another amino acid called ornithine is created.
Various animal research trials have observed that ornithine, in combination with arginine, may play a part in building muscle by elevating the levels of anabolic growth-supporting hormones including insulin and the growth hormone itself. However, although one study did reveal a rise in growth hormone levels when a very high amount of (about 13g) of ornithine was used, many gastrointestinal side effects were noted. Likewise, most human research conducted on the subject has not found any promising results when orthionine is taken at moderate levels.
A study of one particular research trial showed a greater increase in strength and lean body mass after just five weeks of concentrated strength training carried out in combination with daily doses of equal parts of ornithine and arginine (1g) than was found in those taken a placebo. However, these findings have yet to be backed up by an outside source.
People who have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and suffer from subsequent hepatic encephalopathy (brain abnormalities) have been shown to benefit from treatment with ornithine aspartate. In one two week study, cirrhosis patients were given a placebo or 18g of L-ornithine-L-aspartate. It was found that those who received the ornithine showed considerable progress with regards to blood tests and liver function, while those who took the placebo did not.
The body is able to produce ornithine and it is also found, as are most amino acids, in eggs, fish, dairy, and meat. A typical western diet provides about 5g of ornithine each day.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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