L-Citrulline Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects Supplement Information and Usage Guide
L-Citrulline is an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide production, enhancing blood flow, reducing muscle fatigue, and improving exercise performance.
L-Citrulline is a naturally occurring amino acid found in watermelon and produced in the body. It is often used to support circulation and exercise performance.
In the body, it converts to L-Arginine and then nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels and improve oxygen delivery during physical activity.
L-Citrulline is used for endurance, recovery, and cardiovascular health. It is well tolerated and commonly used in pre-workout supplements.
Other names & forms of L-Citrulline supplement : citrulline, l-citrulline malate, citrulline supplement, watermelon extract amino acid
Benefits
L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to L-arginine and enhances endogenous nitric oxide production, improving vascular function and oxygen delivery.
- Helps support Blood Flow & Circulation by increasing nitric oxide synthesis, leading to better vasodilation.
- May contribute to Muscle Performance & Recovery by reducing exercise-induced fatigue and improving ammonia clearance.
- Supports Heart Health through improved endothelial function and reduced arterial stiffness.
- Often used to enhance Energy & Metabolism by promoting efficient nutrient and oxygen delivery to working muscles.
Dosage
Dosage recommendations for L-Citrulline supplement should be followed according to personal health goals:
- Endurance and nitric oxide boost: 3000–6000 mg/day of L-Citrulline Malate (2:1 ratio) or 1500–3000 mg/day pure L-Citrulline.
- Use: Common pre-workout ingredient to enhance blood flow.
- Timing: 30–60 min before training.
- Recommendation: Mix with water or juice; may be taken with or without food.
Side Effects
L-Citrulline supports nitric oxide production and blood flow, yet you may experience mild sensations as vascular tone adjusts. Watch for:
- Temporary warmth or flushing—due to enhanced circulation
- Possible mild gastrointestinal discomfort—bloating or cramps—when first starting
- Occasional headache or lightheadedness in sensitive users
- Rare skin rash or itching—hypersensitivity reactions
- Mild drop in blood pressure—monitor if you have low readings
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Vasodilators and antihypertensives: L-Citrulline’s nitric oxide boost can augment ACE inhibitors or nitrates, risking hypotension—monitor blood pressure.
- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents: May mildly affect platelet function; if on warfarin or Garlic, monitor INR.
Precautions
Before adding L-Citrulline to your regimen, confirm none of these apply to you. If they do, check with your healthcare provider:
- Individuals with low blood pressure: May exacerbate hypotension; monitor closely
- People on nitrates or PDE-5 inhibitors: Risk of excessive vasodilation; use under medical guidance
- Those with herpes simplex: May potentially trigger outbreaks; use cautiously
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Limited safety data; stick to dietary sources unless advised
- Patients scheduled for surgery: Discontinue one week prior—possible interactions with anesthesia and blood flow dynamics
Studies
These studies provide scientific insights into L-Citrulline benefits:
A 2015 randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial in 20 healthy males found 6 g/day L-citrulline for 7 days increased plasma arginine by 40% versus placebo and improved post-exercise ammonia clearance (P < 0.05).
A 2017 pilot RCT in 30 prehypertensive adults showed 3 g/day L-citrulline for 4 weeks reduced systolic blood pressure by 7 mmHg versus 2 mmHg with placebo (P = 0.04), indicating modest vasodilatory benefit.
No large-scale trials
have assessed L-citrulline for erectile function or athletic performance in diverse populations, limiting clinical recommendations.This article was originally published on Stackbb.com, your trusted source for science-based supplement guides.
Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page about L-Citrulline supplement is for informational purposes only and has not been reviewed or validated by a medical professional. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or part of your healthcare regimen. Individual needs and responses to supplements may vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.