The alpha amino acid, citrulline, was first extracted from watermelon, where it inherited its name. L-citrulline plays a key role in the urea cycle. This metabolic pathway helps the body convert ammonia into urea, which the kidneys then eliminate through the urine. The body also naturally produces citrulline from arginine as a byproduct of nitric oxide synthase (NOS); however, some people still benefit from taking a citrulline supplement. 

Learn How Your Body Makes Citrulline

Several proteins in the body contain citrulline, including those used in the myelin coating on your nerves and some that wrap your DNA into tight packages in your cells. Interestingly, many people with Rheumatoid Arthritis will have high levels of anti-citrulline antibodies, which may reflect an immune attack upon their DNA.

The Relationship Between Citrulline and L-Arginine

The body naturally converts L-citulline into L-arginine. The body can then use L-arginine to produce nitric oxide (NO). Arginine directly promotes the growth of all body tissues and can also help to boost immune function. NO2 acts to dilate blood vessels and increases circulation in the body. These actions can combine to significantly improve athletic performance and body-building outcomes. There is some preliminary evidence that supplementation with citrulline or arginine may help to benefit people suffering from sickle cell anemia. It may also help benefit high blood pressure as well, by redirecting blood to the extremities.

How Do Citrulline Supplements Benefit Your Health?

Athletic Enhancement

When combined with Malic Acid, citrulline malate results. L-citrulline supplementation may improve athletic performance and reduce muscle fatigue during prolonged exercise. However, researchers have not yet determined whether L-citrulline itself produces these effects or whether they result from its breakdown products, L-arginine and nitric oxide.

How To Take Citrulline Supplements To Increase Your Well-Being

This supplement is often found in combination supplements for athletic performance in powder form. It can also be found alone in capsules as L-citrulline for more direct supplementation. The recommended dosage has not yet been established, although it is commonly recommended at between 1500 and 3000mg daily. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for the dosage of each product.