L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that it is made in the body. It is produced in the liver and intestines, either from L-arginine or L-glutamine. When deciding between L-citrulline supplements and L-arginine supplements, it is better to choose L-citrulline because it is more effective at increasing blood arginine levels. This is because L-arginine supplements are not as efficiently absorbed as L-citrulline and are quickly removed from the body due to the activity of arginase in the gut.

Health Benefits

L-citrulline is one of the three amino acids in the urea cycle. This is a process that converts a toxic compound called ammonia into urea, which is then eliminated from the body through urine.These are the top 6 benefits of using a supplement that contains L-Citrulline:

1. L-citrulline can increase exercise capacity

It has been shown in several research studies that healthy adults who started taking L-citrulline saw an increase in exercise capacity. This is due to its ability to utilize your oxygen better which boosts your workout and endurance ability.

2. It increases blood flow

Nitric oxide plays an important role in regulating blood flow. Since higher levels of L-Citrulline have been shown to increase Nitric Oxide levels, we see a positive correlation between L-Citrulline and the increase of blood flow throughout the body.

3. L-Citrulline decreases blood pressure

We live in a time of information overload and a constant state of “being busy” which many people perceive as “stress”. When we get in these states of stress, we breathe shallow, which results in our pressure going up and our bodies getting tense. Over time, this becomes our new normal and we live with our blood pressure consistently sky-high.

Many studies have shown that L-citrulline helps decrease high blood pressure and increase nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure. In turn, the blood pressure will decrease. This is especially important because people who appear healthy and fit on the outside are often experiencing higher blood pressures.  

4. Improved cardiac function and erectile dysfunction

There have been direct links that show L-citrulline improves the function of both the right and left ventricles as well as endothelial function. We also see an improvement in erectile dysfunction due to the increase in blood and oxygen utilization.

5. Enhanced cognition & brain performance

The most common killer of cells is a lack of oxygen in our bodies. As previously mentioned, L-Citrulline helps utilize and maximize oxygen and blood flow throughout our bodies. When we are utilizing more oxygen, our cognitive function goes up and our brains perform at a higher level.

6. Boosts immunity

L-citrulline supplementation has been linked to the ability to fight infection by boosting our immune system and allowing our bodies to help fight foreign invaders naturally.