Citrulline
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Evidence Summary
L-Citrulline is an amino acid that serves as a precursor to L-arginine, playing a critical role in nitric oxide production and vasodilation. Research suggests it may provide benefits for cardiovascular health, endothelial function, and athletic performance during high-intensity exercise.
Evidence by Condition
Evidence indicates potential for improving endothelial function, blood pressure in postmenopausal women, and reducing arterial stiffness in adolescents with MASLD.
Studies show benefits for acute performance in high-intensity activities like CrossFit and basketball, as well as neuromuscular performance in resistance-trained adults.
Clinical trials are investigating its impact on NAFLD and obesity in adolescents, but more robust evidence is needed.
Effective Doses
Specific dosage ranges were not explicitly detailed in the provided research summaries.
Key Findings
- L-Citrulline supplementation may improve endothelial function and blood pressure in hypertensive postmenopausal women (PMID: 36297080).
- Acute citrulline malate supplementation can enhance performance during CrossFit® exercise (PMID: 39408204).
- L-Citrulline combined with HIIT may impact lipid profiles and arterial stiffness in adolescents with MASLD (PMID: 39940261).
- Combined supplementation of creatine, beta-alanine, and L-citrulline has been studied for its impact on basketball players' performance (PMID: 40010353).
Limitations
Much of the current research is focused on specific populations (e.g., adolescents, postmenopausal women, or elite athletes) and includes clinical trials with relatively small enrollment numbers.
Safety & Interactions
No specific contraindications or drug interactions were identified in the provided research abstracts.
AI-generated summary from 12 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 97% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 91% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 29% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 2% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (12)
**d'Unienville et al., 2021** | J Int Soc Sports Nutr | Meta Analysis d'Unienville Noah M A, Blake Henry T, ... Buckley Jonathan D. Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a syste...
Aging and menopause are associated with decreased nitric oxide bioavailability due to reduced L-arginine (L-ARG) levels contributing to endothelial dysfunction (ED). ED precedes arterial stiffness and hypertension development, a major risk factor for...
Given the increasing popularity of CrossFit® as a high-intensity functional training program and the potential benefits of citrulline malate (CM) in enhancing exercise performance through its role as a precursor to L-arginine and nitric oxide product...
BACKGROUND: Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and obesity contribute to vascular dysfunction through oxidative stress, heightening cardiovascular risk. Oral supplementation with L-citrulline (L-cit), a precursor of L-ar...
**NCT ID**: NCT04871360 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 42 **Completion**: 2022-01-15
**NCT ID**: NCT05183893 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 50 **Completion**: 2022-06-30
BACKGROUND: Athletes are increasingly exploring ways to enhance their physical performance. Increasing blood flow to the working tissues through endothelium-dependent vasodilation is one factor athletes use to realize these results. Sports supplement...
PURPOSE: Athletes often use sport supplements to improve their physical and physiological performance. This randomized, double-blind, placebo (PL) -controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of combined versus single supplementation of creatin...
This study investigated the effects of combined L-arginine (Arg) and citrulline-malate (CM) supplementation on aerobic, anaerobic, and high-intensity interval training in healthy, trained men. Both Arg and CM are widely marketed for their potential e...
**NCT ID**: NCT02521220 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 49 **Completion**: 2019-08-30
**NCT ID**: NCT07143305 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 20 **Completion**: 2020-05-15
**NCT ID**: NCT01715844 **Phase**: PHASE1 **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 10 **Completion**: 2017-06-01
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is L-Citrulline and how does it work?
L-Citrulline is an amino acid that helps your body produce nitric oxide, which is essential for vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels). It works by acting as a precursor to L-arginine, playing a key role in supporting healthy blood flow.
Can L-Citrulline help with blood pressure and heart health?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that L-Citrulline may improve endothelial function and help lower blood pressure in postmenopausal women. It may also assist in reducing arterial stiffness in adolescents with certain liver conditions.
Does L-Citrulline improve athletic performance?
There is moderate evidence that L-Citrulline can enhance performance during high-intensity exercises like CrossFit and basketball. It has also been shown to benefit neuromuscular performance in adults who participate in resistance training.
Can L-Citrulline help with weight loss or liver health?
There is currently insufficient evidence to confirm if L-Citrulline helps with obesity or fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While clinical trials are investigating these impacts in adolescents, more robust research is still needed.
What is the effective dose of L-Citrulline?
Specific effective dosage ranges were not explicitly detailed in the available research summaries. You should consult with a healthcare provider to determine a dosage that is appropriate for your specific needs.
Are there any side effects or drug interactions with L-Citrulline?
No specific drug interactions or contraindications have been documented in the current research. However, you should always consult a medical professional before starting a new supplement to ensure it is safe for you.
Who should avoid taking L-Citrulline?
No specific groups or contraindications were identified in the provided research. As with any supplement, individuals with underlying health conditions should speak with a doctor before use.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.