L-ornithine-l-aspartate
L-ornithine-l-aspartate

Background

L-ornithine-L-aspartate is a chemical that is broken down by the body to increase levels of two amino acids: ornithine and aspartic acid.

Ornithine and aspartic acid help to reduce levels of a toxic chemical called ammonia in the blood.

People use L-ornithine-L-aspartate for reduced brain function due to advanced liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy). It is also used for athletic performance, cirrhosis, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse L-ornithine-L-aspartate with ornithine or aspartic acid. These are not the same.
When taken by mouth: L-ornithine-L-aspartate is possibly safe when used in doses of up to 18 grams daily for up to 6 months. It's generally well-tolerated.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if L-ornithine-L-aspartate is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
  • Reduced brain function in people with advanced liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy). Taking L-ornithine-L-aspartate by mouth or by IV might reduce symptoms of this condition in people with a long-term liver disease called cirrhosis. But it does not seem to help in those with short-term liver failure. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
There is interest in using L-ornithine-L-aspartate for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

L-ornithine-L-aspartate has most often been used by adults in doses of 6-18 grams by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate interacts with any medicines. Before taking L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

L-ornithine-L-aspartate increases the levels of ornithine and aspartic acid in the body. These amino acids help to reduce levels of a toxic chemical called ammonia in the blood.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 30/03/2023 11:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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