The alpha amino acid, citrulline, was first extracted from watermelon, where it inherited its name. It is one of the key stepping-stones in the urea cycle in humans, which is the pathway by which ammonia is converted into uric acid and released in 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

Your body naturally converts L-citrulline to L-arginine, which can then be converted to Nitric Oxide (NO2). 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. Supplementation with this substance has been shown to improve athletic performance and reduce muscle fatigue with prolonged exercise. Whether this is due to the activity of the supplement or its breakdown products: arginine and NO2 has not yet been established.

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.