Effects of Oral Ingestion of L-Ornithine on Mental Stress and Fatigue Based on the Trier Social Stress Test in Healthy Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Trial
2024

Effects of L-Ornithine on Mental Stress and Fatigue

Sample size: 65 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Moriyasu Kazuki, Nakajima Atsushi, Morita Masahiko

Primary Institution: Institute of Health Sciences, Kirin Holdings Company, Limited

Hypothesis

L-ornithine oral administration could relieve stress and improve mental-stress-related fatigue and mood status.

Conclusion

L-ornithine could potentially improve interpersonal social-stress-associated fatigue without involving the HPA axis.

Supporting Evidence

  • L-ornithine significantly improved fatigue and anger scores compared to placebo.
  • Salivary cortisol levels did not differ significantly between the L-ornithine and placebo groups.
  • The study was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled.

Takeaway

This study looked at whether taking L-ornithine can help people feel less tired and stressed after social situations. It found that while it didn't lower stress hormones, it did help with feelings of fatigue and anger.

Methodology

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 1600 mg of L-ornithine or a placebo for 7 days, followed by the Trier Social Stress Test.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the small sample size and participant selection criteria.

Limitations

No significant difference was observed in salivary cortisol levels, the primary endpoint, and the study did not analyze blood ammonia profiles after stress.

Participant Demographics

Healthy Japanese adults aged 20 to 60, with a mix of men and women.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/jcm13247583

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