L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that plays a significant role in several physiological processes. Here are some key points regarding its uses and benefits:

1. Nitric Oxide Production:

   • L-Citrulline is converted to L-arginine in the kidneys, which then acts as a substrate for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. NO is crucial for vasodilation, improving blood flow, and reducing blood pressure¹².

2. Exercise Performance:

   • Studies have shown that L-Citrulline supplementation can enhance aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance by improving oxygen delivery to muscles and reducing muscle fatigue³⁴. A review indicated it could improve overall exercise performance and recovery, though results are somewhat mixed⁵.

3. Blood Pressure Reduction:

   • Supplementation with L-Citrulline has been found to lower blood pressure, particularly in patients with hypertension⁶. It is more effective than L-arginine due to its higher bioavailability and resistance to catabolism⁷.

4. Muscle Oxygenation and Endurance:

   • L-Citrulline can improve muscle oxygenation and endurance by enhancing blood flow and reducing muscle soreness post-exercise¹³. This is particularly beneficial for resistance training and high-intensity exercises⁸.

5. Cardiometabolic Health:

   • L-Citrulline has shown promise in improving cardiovascular and metabolic health, particularly in individuals with obesity or age-related cardiovascular dysfunction⁷⁹. It helps in improving endothelial function and reducing markers of inflammation.

In summary, L-Citrulline supplementation may be beneficial for enhancing exercise performance and recovery, lowering blood pressure, and improving vascular and metabolic health. However, the extent of these benefits can vary depending on the individual and the specific conditions under which it is used.

If you would like to explore some products containing L-Citrulline, please let me know, and I can provide a list of options.

Footnotes

1. Acute Effect of L-Citrulline Supplementation on Resistance Exercise Performance and Muscle Oxygenation ↩ ↩²

2. Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature ↩

3. The Effect of a Single Dose of Citrulline on the Physical Performance of Soccer-Specific Exercise in Adult Elite Soccer Players ↩ ↩²

4. Effects of L-Citrulline Supplementation on Endothelial Function and Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women ↩

5. A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance ↩

6. Effects of L-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure ↩

7. l-Citrulline Supplementation: Impact on Cardiometabolic Health ↩ ↩²

8. Oral L-citrulline supplementation enhances cycling time trial performance in healthy trained men ↩

9. Effects of L-Citrulline Supplementation and Aerobic Training on Vascular Function in Individuals with Obesity across the Lifespan ↩