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Role of Ornithine for Increasing Growth Hormone Levels

Ornithine is a nonessential amino acid, which means that that your body can synthesize it from other food sources. It causes the secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. A dose of ornithine, especially in combination with other amino acids, an hour before a weightlifting workout speeds muscle building and fat loss. In addition to its role in stimulating GH levels, ornithine has also been shown to regenerate liver tissue in lab animals.

human growth hormone | ornithine | okg | ornithine alpha ketoglutarate | muscle building

Dosages

On a per gram basis, ornithine has about double the effect of arginine, a closely related amino acid. Taking 2.5 to 5 grams of ornithine causes the same amount of GH release as 5-10 grams of arginine.

Like other amino acids, the impact of ornithine is greatest in subjects with the lowest body fat and the highest aerobic capacity. Ornithine will work better as you increase your fitness. Furthermore, GH release from ornithine is even more enhanced with long term use.

Starting dosages for ornithine as a supplement are 1 to 3 grams on an empty stomach one hour before exercise and before bedtime. Side effects may include stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea. However, these can be minimized by starting at low dosages (1 gram) and building up slowly.

Enhancing Performance with Additional Amino Acids

Bodybuilders get even better results by combining ornithine with other amino acids, such as arginine, lysine, and glutamine. This is called stacking. When taken together, these amino acids have a synergistic effect on GH release.

A beginner’s stack is 2 grams each of arginine and ornithine and 1 gram each of lysine and glutamine. An advanced stack would include 2 grams each of all four amino acids. The arginine-lysine-glutamine trio is especially important because it stimulates insulin levels, even on an empty stomach. The combination of GH and insulin in the absence of food drives the incorporation of amino acids into muscle. When taken before bedtime, this combination also stops the body from breaking down as much muscle tissue as it normally does during a night’s sleep.

OKG: Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

OKG is a French designer nutrient that consists of a molecule of ornithine that is bound to two molecules of alpha-ketoglutarate. Alpha-ketoglutarate is a common cellular metabolite that is a precursor to glutamine. OKG boosts glutamine levels even more than does glutamine itself. Many GH secretagogues now contain OKG, sometimes as a replacement for ornithine. It is not widely tested in the U.S. However, OKG in doses of 10 grams or more is more effective than ornithine or alpha-ketoglutarate for raising GH levels several-fold.

human growth hormone | ornithine | okg | ornithine alpha ketoglutarate | muscle building | glutamine

All the best in muscle building,

FitScientist

15 Comments so far »

  1. by Charlie

     

    Excellent blog thank you! Picking up a bottle of OKG!
    My question is about DHEA that you see on the market, are they real and is there a brand better than the next or are they all bad?

  2. by FitScientist

     

    Hi, Charlie:

    thanks for your kind comment. I’d say that plenty of DHEA products are good. 7-Keto DHEA is supposed to be even better. Just spread out your dosage to 2-3 times per day.

    All the best,
    FitScientist
    (Dennis)

  3. by Dennis A

     

    I take a releaser cocktail with these ingredient.
    Arginine Pyroglutamate – 3 grams
    L-Lysine – 3 grams
    Omithine alphaKetoglutarate – 3 grams ( Didn’t no if I should use this or a different Omithine )
    Gaba – 1 gram
    Glycine – 3 grams
    L-Glutamine – 3 grams
    Tribulus – 1 gram
    Niacin – 1/2 gram
    Alpha-GPC – 1 and 1/2 gram
    L-Leucine – 3 grams
    L-dopa – 1 gram
    Could you please let me no what changes you would make to these ingredients to improve my amino cocktail ?
    Sorry if this isn’t the right place to put this info . You don’t have a homemade amino cocktail forum.

  4. by FitScientist

     

    Hey, Dennis: You have a pretty good cocktail already. The book on HGH that I have cites research showing more of an effect with higher doses of amino acids. Furthermore, it turns out that we senior-type folks have to take even MORE of everything. (Digestive system absorption drops off with age.) In other words, you ideal cocktail depends on your age.

    All the best,
    Dennis (nice name, huh?)

  5. by Dennis

     

    FitScientist what do you think of the 1200mg dose for Arginine Pyroglutamate and Lysine test ? They say that dose works better.

  6. by FitScientist

     

    Hey, Dennis…It seems by all accounts that the arginine pyroglutamate is a more impactful supplement than arginine alone. The APG can therefore be taken in lower doses (1-2 g) and avoid any potential stomach upset (sometimes accompanies arginine at 5 g or more). Lysine is an important add-on, especially if you have ever had shingles (arginine seems to induce shingles, lysine prevents it; a good arginine to lysine ratio keeps it from appearing). That’s just important for us senior-types (50 and above).

    Keep on it,
    Dennis

  7. by John

     

    Does the amino acid L-Ornithine interact with antidepressants like Zoloft?

  8. by FitScientist

     

    Hi, John:

    That is an excellent question, because several amino acids are in direct line with the biosynthesis of certain neurotransmitters. L-Ornithine is not one of them. However, the main one to watch out for is L-tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin and may boost the effects of any SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) like Zoloft. Even though you don’t have to worry about L-ornithine, you might want to pay attention to how much turkey you eat on Thanksgiving. It is a great source for L-tryptophan!

    All the best,
    Dennis

  9. by Yulia

     

    Please let me know if it is safe to give supplements to a child of almost 4 years old.
    She is very tiny :) . I’m looking for the way to stimulate her growth and her gaining some wait. To give you the idea how tiny she is – she is waring clothe for 24 months and she waits only 26 pounds. She seems to be a very happy normal kid, just so light and small.
    Please advise what dosage you would recommend for her, if that is OK to give her supplements.
    Greatly appresiate your time, Yulia

  10. by FitScientist

     

    Hi, Yulia:

    Children are people, too…so supplements can be helpful regardless of age. You did not mention specific supplements. Diet is the most important starting point, before considering supplements. Then general supplements, then specialty ones. Anything that has a recommended dosage must be reduced to account for body size. A very happy normal kid who is light and small may be just fine. What does her doctor say?

    All the best,
    Dennis

  11. by Yulia Patent

     

    Really was happy to hear from you.
    Here is the info I found regarding GH.
    “An unbalanced intake of ornithine will stimulate the pituitary gland to produce growth hormone and improve the immune system — each different amino acid, when taken in an unbalanced form, has its own different effect within the body.
    Arginine, histidine, ornithine are the amino acids, that can improve the growth, I could understand.

    Please let me know what dosage is allowed at 4 years old (26pl she waits currently).
    Again, thanks a lot.
    Yulia

  12. by FitScientist

     

    Hi, Yulia:

    Nobody know about dosages for young children. If you suspect that she has a growth problem, you must get a doctor’s diagnosis. I know that in some cases growth hormone is prescribed for children of very small stature. It is a prescription drug that is approved for certain applications. Have you worked with your pediatrician yet?

    All the best,
    Dennis

  13. by Yulia Patent

     

    Yes, a lot of tests they did and they do want to give her the hormone, as a medicine.
    That requires to give her a shot every day for years…

    I do not see it as a solution. I was looking for other ways to stimulate the GH.

    It might be safe to give her the ornithine in a small dosage – what do you suggest?

    Best regards, Yulia

  14. by FitScientist

     

    Hi, Yulia: You are in unknown territory. Since I don’t know all the details, and since you already have a recommendation for administering GH, I suggest you work with her doctors. In doing so, also bring these research articles to their attention. If you discover a mineral deficiency, as opposed to a genetic disorder, thinking along these lines may be helpful:

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6683093
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6886249
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12343033
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8675240
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15641262
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15679071
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17921390
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18676011

    They are just some possible ideas.

    All the best,
    Dennis

  15. by Yulia Patent

     

    That is a great info!
    I’ll talk to a doctor and the first thing I will ask to do will be a detailed blood test to identify what is not at the required level to prevent hers growth. That helps to know what to look for.
    Thanks a million.
    Yulia

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