ORNITHINE is a non-essential amino acid found free in the body
tissues, but it is not used as a protein building block. In order for an
ornithine deficiency to occur, the body would also have to be deficient in
arginine, since ornithine is formed when arginine is altered by the
enzyme arginase. Ornithine is the precursor of amino acids citulline,
glutamic acid, and proline.
Ornithine is a powerful stimulator of growth hormone and insulin
production by the pituitary gland. When combined with arginine and
carnitine, it helps release a hormone that metabolizes excess body fat
helping to reduce arterial fatty plaque deposits. It is necessary for the
immune system and liver function. Ornithine has also been successfully
used to detoxify ammonia and promote healing.
Ornithine supplements should never be given to children unless done
so by a physician because of its effect on growth hormone. This is
undesirable for those still growing.
