ornitiini

Ornithine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it is not one of the 20 standard amino acids used by the body to build proteins. It plays a crucial role in the urea cycle, a metabolic pathway that detoxifies ammonia, a byproduct of protein breakdown, by converting it into urea for excretion. Ornithine is synthesized from glutamate in the mitochondria and is a key intermediate in this cycle.

Beyond its role in the urea cycle, ornithine is also involved in the synthesis of other important molecules, including polyamines like putrescine, spermidine, and spermine. Polyamines are essential for cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Ornithine can be obtained from the diet, primarily from animal-based protein sources, or synthesized by the body. While not directly incorporated into proteins, its presence and metabolic functions are vital for overall physiological health.