L-Ornithine Hydrochloride is a salt form of the amino acid ornithine. It dissolves well in water and absorbs easily. The compound helps run the urea cycle, which clears ammonia left over from protein breakdown.
Athletes often take it to blunt fatigue and speed up recovery after hard training by cutting ammonia build-up. Many people take a dose before bed. Ornithine can encourage deeper sleep and trigger growth hormone release.
A standard dose runs from 500 mg up to 2 grams. Most people take it on an empty stomach or right before sleep. Taking it with food can soften stomach discomfort. Large doses sometimes cause digestive upset. Anyone with kidney trouble should skip it. Safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been pinned down.