ornithine
/ˈɔːrnɪθiːn/
noun
- An amino acid that is involved in the urea cycle in animals, helping to remove ammonia from the body.
- The body uses ornithine to help convert toxic ammonia into urea for safe removal.
- Ornithine is produced in the liver as part of the process of breaking down proteins.
- Doctors sometimes measure ornithine levels to check for certain metabolic disorders.