Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

L-ornithine is an amino acid that plays a key role in the urea cycle, which is the primary pathway by which the liver detoxifies ammonia—a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism. Its use in supporting liver detoxification, particularly in the context of hyperammonemia (excess ammonia in the blood), is supported by clinical evidence. Ornithine, often combined with aspartate (as L-ornithine L-aspartate, or LOLA), is used medically to reduce elevated blood ammonia levels, especially in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of liver dysfunction. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that L-ornithine can effectively lower ammonia levels and improve neuropsychiatric symptoms in these patients. The mechanism involves ornithine's role as a substrate in the urea cycle, facilitating the conversion of ammonia to urea, which can then be excreted by the kidneys. However, while the evidence for L-ornithine in the treatment of overt liver disease and hyperammonemia is solid, there is less robust evidence supporting its use in healthy individuals for general "liver detoxification" or as a preventive supplement. Most of the supportive data pertains to clinical populations with compromised liver function. Thus, while the scientific foundation is strong for specific liver-related conditions, claims regarding broad liver "detox" in healthy people are less substantiated.

More about l-ornithine
More about Liver Detoxification

Other ingredients used for Liver Detoxification

Other health conditions supported by l-ornithine

Products containing l-ornithine

Designs For Health Amino-D-Tox™
Designs For Health Amino-D-Tox™
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Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
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Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Douglas Laboratories Free Form Amino
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Metagenics UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Chai
Metagenics UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Vanilla