The everyday one
L-ornithine HCl
The usual supplement form.
Good for: Everyday use
What variations of L-ornithine exist?
An amino acid your body uses to clear ammonia, a waste product of protein. It's sometimes used for fatigue, sleep, and liver support. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
- Also consider
- Sore muscles: the recovery one (Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG))
Every form, in plain words
The everyday one
L-ornithine HCl
The usual supplement form.
Good for: Everyday use
The liver one
L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA)
The form studied for liver problems. Usually used with a doctor's care.
The recovery one
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG)
Studied for healing after burns or surgery. Some athletes use it too.
Good for: Sore muscles
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'L-ornithine HCl' on the label (the everyday one)
Watch out for
- Muscle-building blends with many amino acids and no amounts listed
Check with your provider first if…
- You have liver or kidney disease. Use ornithine only with a doctor's care.
- You have gyrate atrophy, a rare inherited eye disease, where ornithine is harmful
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (not well studied)
- An upset stomach or diarrhea can happen at higher doses
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.