L-Ornithine HCL
L-Ornithine HCL is an amino acid that is made in the body and plays a role in other processes. It can also be made in a lab. L-Ornithine HCL might help to increase levels of another amino acid called arginine, and it might also increase levels of hormones that increase muscle size.
People use ornithine for athletic performance, dry skin, insomnia, wound healing, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. However, some studies have shown that L-Ornithine HCL has benefits for reducing ammonia concentrations in the blood and thus enhancing performance of prolonged exercise (45 minutes or more). Another study showed that L-Ornithine HCL supplementation had a favorable effect on the cortisol response as an objective stress marker and improved sleep quality in healthy workers.
The recommended dosage of L-Ornithine HCL is 2-6g daily. Most studies use Ornithine hydrochloride (Ornithine HCl) which appears to be effective. Ornithine HCl is 78% Ornithine by weight, and so for the 2-6g range an equivalent dose for L-Ornithine L-Aspartate (50% Ornithine) would be 3.12-9.36g and an equivalent dose for L-Ornithine.
L-Ornithine HCL side effects are only apparent in a very high dose and include diarrhea, muscle cramps, cough, and nausea. However, there is not enough research on the side effects of L-Ornithine HCL to provide a clear insight into any potential side effects.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-200/ornithine
- https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/ornithine/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4055948/
- https://us.myprotein.com/thezone/supplements/what-is-l-ornithine-benefits-dosage/
- https://examine.com/supplements/ornithine/
- https://www.bensnaturalhealth.com/blog/sexual-health/l-ornithine-benefits/
