L-arginine is an essential amino acid. L-ornithine may be used asan alternative since it metabolizes to L-arginine in the body. L-arginineis required for the body to synthesize nitric oxide, which enablesthe arterial system to retain its youthful elasticity. Nitric oxidealso helps to produce endothelial relaxation factor, which is neededby the arterial system to expand and contract with each heartbeat.21-33* L-arginine and L-ornithine have been shown to promote natural growthhormone (GH) release from the pituitary gland. GH promotes healthyanabolic metabolism throughout the body, helping to maintain proteinsynthesis within cells.34-41* Surgical or traumatic injury greatly increases the bodys needfor L-arginine, a key building block to repair damaged tissue and bone.Because of its role in repair of tissues, L-arginine helps to promoteoptimal healing of wounds. L-ornithine may also be used for this purpose.42-53*
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