Common Name: Citrulline
Synonyms: L-citrulline

Overview:

Citrulline is a non-essential (the body can manufacture citrulline from other nutrients) amino acid that is converted in the body to L-arginine. L-arginine is then converted into nitric oxide which is important in maintaining cardiovascular health. Low levels of nitric oxide have also been linked to mental and physical fatigue as well as sexual dysfunction. Citrulline also plays a pivotal role in converting ammonia (a toxin produced during exercise) into urea. The ammonia is converted in the liver to urea and eliminated from the body through the kidneys. However as we age, our natural citrulline production drops, causing a dangerous build-up of ammonia resulting in fatigue, inflammation and a weakened immune system. Studies have shown that supplementing the diet with citrulline increases the amount of arginine available better than supplementing with arginine, itself.

Benefits

Increase levels of citrulline:

1. Is proving useful in combination with other amino acids in stimulating the pituitary gland to release increased levels of HGH (Human Growth Hormone). Human growth hormones levels decrease as we age. At 60 years of age our HGH levels are 20% of what it was when we were younger. Increasing the level of HGH has been shown to reverse many of the signs of aging but as much as 20 years.
2. Improves cardiovascular health and increases blood flow to vital organs.
3. Have shown to improve muscle mass and decrease recovery time after exercise

Is used in Europe in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

1. Is proving helpful in combating both mental and physical fatigue.
2. Is linked to improved immune system function.

Recommended Dosage:

It is recommended that 6-18gms of citrulline be taken each day to support increased energy and to stimulate the production of HGH

Precautions

Citrulline is generally regarded as safe

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using a citrulline supplement. The affects of citrulline on children and those suffering from liver or kidney disease have not been studied. It is recommended that in children and people with liver or kidney disease citrulline supplementation not be used.

Printed Reference Material

1. Bendahan D, Mattei JP, Ghattas B, et al. Citrulline/malate promotes aerobic energy production in human exercising muscle. Br J Sports Med. 2002;36:282–9.
2. Callis A, Magnan de Bornier B, Serrano JJ, et al. Activity of citrulline malate on acid-base balance and blood ammonia and amino acid levels. Study in the animal and in man. Arzneimittelforschung. 1991;41:660–3.
3. Zurich Medical Labs. Abstracts and clinical studies —citrulline malate. Available at: http://www.zurichlabs.com/id_noxtz.htm. Accessed May 25, 2005.
4. Hickner RC, Tanner CJ, Evans CA et al. L-citrulline reduces time to exhaustion and insulin response to a graded exercise test. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006;38:660-6.