What it is: L-Citrulline is a naturally occurring, non-essential amino acid found in foods and produced by the body. It is chemically classified as an amino acid and plays a role in nitrogen metabolism through the urea cycle.
What it does: L-Citrulline helps convert ammonia to urea for excretion and is known for supporting nitric oxide production, which relaxes and widens blood vessels to enhance circulation and oxygen delivery.
How it is used: L-Citrulline is popular in sports nutrition and pre-workout supplements for supporting muscle endurance, reducing fatigue, and promoting a "muscle pump" during exercise. It is also used in circulation and cardiovascular wellness supplements.
Natural sources and supplement forms: L-Citrulline is found in high amounts in watermelon and in smaller quantities in other fruits and vegetables. Supplement forms are typically purified L-citrulline powder, capsules, or L-citrulline malate combined with malic acid.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Supplement brands use L-citrulline for its potential to promote better blood flow, support exercise endurance, and help recovery by aiding the body's natural nitric oxide pathways.
What to know before use: L-Citrulline is generally well tolerated, but individuals with low blood pressure or those taking blood flow–altering medications should speak with a healthcare provider before use.
What it does: L-Citrulline helps convert ammonia to urea for excretion and is known for supporting nitric oxide production, which relaxes and widens blood vessels to enhance circulation and oxygen delivery.
How it is used: L-Citrulline is popular in sports nutrition and pre-workout supplements for supporting muscle endurance, reducing fatigue, and promoting a "muscle pump" during exercise. It is also used in circulation and cardiovascular wellness supplements.
Natural sources and supplement forms: L-Citrulline is found in high amounts in watermelon and in smaller quantities in other fruits and vegetables. Supplement forms are typically purified L-citrulline powder, capsules, or L-citrulline malate combined with malic acid.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Supplement brands use L-citrulline for its potential to promote better blood flow, support exercise endurance, and help recovery by aiding the body's natural nitric oxide pathways.
What to know before use: L-Citrulline is generally well tolerated, but individuals with low blood pressure or those taking blood flow–altering medications should speak with a healthcare provider before use.
Interesting Fact
L-Citrulline: Watermelon’s Secret Amino Acid
L-Citrulline gets its name from Citrullus, the Latin word for watermelon, because it was first discovered in watermelon pulp over a century ago. This non-essential amino acid is a key player in the body’s urea cycle, helping convert ammonia to urea for excretion. Naturally present in watermelon, L-citrulline is often used in supplements to support natural metabolic pathways.
