Citrulline: use, benefits, dose, and precautions

How Citrulline works in the body

Citrulline plays a role in the urea cycle, which is a process that helps to remove nitrogen waste products from the body.

Almost 80% of citrulline is synthesized in the body and transformed into L-arginine. The latter is another form of amino acids that helps the body produce protein which can be used for building muscles and rebuild tissues.

It is important to understand that although citrulline and arginine are related, they are not the same as they have different functions and effects in the body.

Citrulline also helps to increase nitric oxide production in the body which is an important element for cardiovascular health and blood flow as it helps dilate blood vessels and improves blood flow by allowing more oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to the muscles. 

Citrulline dose: How much to Take

Citrulline dose may vary depending on gender, age, and the reason you are taking citrulline for.

Nevertheless, the general recommended dose is 3–6 grams per day of L-citrulline.

This dose varies depending on the form. Thus, if you are taking citrulline malate, you will require approximately 8 grams per day.

This is because 1.75 grams of citrulline malate provides 1 gram of L-citrulline. The remaining 0.75 grams are malate.

Citrulline Composition

Citrulline is an amino acid, which is a building block of protein. It is composed of a chain of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. The chemical formula for citrulline is C6H13N3O3.

Citrulline is classified as a non-essential amino acid, which means that it can be produced in the body from other amino acids.

Citrulline Benefits

Citrulline is suggested to have many benefits. Some of these potential benefits include:

- Improving cardiovascular health: Citrulline may help to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

- Enhancing athletic performance: Citrulline may help to increase endurance and reduce muscle soreness.

- Improving erectile dysfunction: Citrulline may help to improve blood flow to the penis and improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

- Relieving muscle pain: Citrulline may help to reduce muscle pain and soreness caused by physical activity.

- Improving gut health: Citrulline may help to improve gut function and reduce symptoms of constipation.

Please note that these are all potential benefits and more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Citrulline Precautions

Citrulline is generally considered safe to consume, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough research to determine if citrulline is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is best to avoid using it during these times.

- Kidney problems: People with kidney problems should use citrulline with caution as it may increase the levels of nitrogen waste products in the blood.

- Medications: Citrulline may interact with certain medications, such as blood pressure medications, blood thinners, and erectile dysfunction medications. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking citrulline if you are on any medication.

- Dosage: It is important to follow the recommended dosage on the supplement label. Overdose can cause stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and other side effects.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement to ensure that it is safe for you and that it will not interact with any medications you may be taking.

Citrulline Side Effects

Citrulline is generally considered safe to consume, but there are a few side effects that have been reported:

- Stomach discomfort: Some people may experience stomach discomfort, such as cramps, nausea, or diarrhea, when taking citrulline supplements.

- Allergic reactions: Rarely, people may experience an allergic reaction to citrulline, such as hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

- Headache: Some people may experience headaches as a side effect of taking citrulline supplements.

- Insomnia: Some people may experience insomnia or difficulty sleeping after taking citrulline supplements.

- Blood Pressure: Citrulline can lower blood pressure, if you have low blood pressure, you should talk to your doctor before using citrulline supplements.

Most of these side effects are mild, but if you experience severe symptoms, stop using the supplement and contact a healthcare professional.

Individual tolerance and sensitivity may vary and some people may not experience any side effects at all.