Ornithine
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. It can also increase schizophrenic symptoms and the severity of herpes simplex infections.
