Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid that is not incorporated into protein. Although ornithine is present in a number of foods, the amount is relatively small and probably nutritionally unimportant. Supplements of ornithine are available and research suggests they may have a number of beneficial effects. For example, in one study a number of healthy participants were administered 400 mg of ornithine per day for 8 weeks. The researchers then monitored their moods and their sleep patterns as well as took measurements of a number of markers of stress. The results of the study showed that serum levels of cortisol were significantly decreased with ornithine supplements in comparison to a placebo group. In addition, the participants taking ornithine reported less anger and improved sleep. These results suggest that even a low dose of ornithine may have stress reducing properties and this may translate into improved sleep. This may suggest that ornithine is particularly useful in training athletes who are exposed to stress.
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