Health & Well-Being A-Z

L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate

L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate Molecular structure
Description

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.


Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

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.

Possibly effective
  • 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.

Is it Safe?

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.

Safety

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.

Drug interactions

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.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

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.

Other names

2,5-Diaminopentanoic Acid 2-Aminobutanedioic Acid, L-Ornithin-L-Aspartat, L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate Salt, LOLA, Ornithine Aspartate, Ornithylaspartate.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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