L-Citrulline

Buy L-Citrulline: an amino acid in sports nutrition

L-Citrulline is an amino acid found in the body that, unlike most amino acids, is not directly used as a building block of proteins. It is closely linked to L-Arginine: in the body, L-Citrulline can be converted into L-Arginine. L-Citrulline is popular in sports nutrition and is available as pure L-Citrulline and as citrulline malate. In our range, you will find L-Citrulline as a standalone supplement and in combination with L-Arginine, in capsules and as a powder, in various dosages.

What is L-Citrulline?

L-Citrulline is an amino acid that derives its name from the watermelon (Citrullus), one of the sources in which it occurs naturally. It is a so-called non-protein amino acid: it is not directly incorporated into proteins, but plays a role in various processes in the body. A characteristic property is that L-Citrulline can be converted into L-Arginine in the body, which closely links the two amino acids. L-Citrulline for supplements is usually obtained through fermentation. The label states how much L-Citrulline a product provides per serving and what form it is.

L-Citrulline for athletes

L-Citrulline is a widely used amino acid in sports nutrition and is a staple in many pre-workout formulas. It is often chosen by people who train intensively, whether or not in combination with L-Arginine. We describe its use here without associating it with health claims: no official health claims have been approved for L-Citrulline. What makes a product suitable is primarily the dosage per serving, the form (pure citrulline or citrulline malate), and whether it fits your routine.

L-Citrulline and the conversion to L-Arginine

What makes L-Citrulline special is its close link with L-Arginine. In the body, L-Citrulline can be converted into L-Arginine. Due to this conversion, the two amino acids are often mentioned and offered together. In our range, you will also find combination products with L-Arginine and L-Citrulline. Whether you choose standalone L-Citrulline, standalone L-Arginine, or a combination depends on your personal preference.

Pure L-Citrulline or citrulline malate?

L-Citrulline is available in two main forms. Pure (free form) L-Citrulline contains only the amino acid. Citrulline malate is L-Citrulline bound to malic acid (malate), often in a ratio of 2:1 (two parts citrulline to one part malate). Because citrulline malate adds malate, the amount of pure citrulline per gram differs between the two forms; keep this in mind when comparing. Both forms are popular in sports nutrition and are offered, among other things, as a powder. The label states which form and ratio a product uses.

How much L-Citrulline per day and when to take it?

No official recommended daily amount has been established for L-Citrulline. The dosage varies per product and per form and is stated on the packaging, expressed in grams per serving; sports supplements are often relatively high in dosage. With citrulline malate, it is useful to look at the amount of pure citrulline. The time of intake is a matter of preference and routine; athletes often choose a fixed time around the workout. Follow the instructions for use of the specific supplement. If you are taking medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or in case of doubt, it is wise to consult a doctor beforehand.

Buy L-Citrulline: what to look for?

When choosing an L-Citrulline supplement, there are a few practical points to consider. Determine whether you are looking for pure L-Citrulline or citrulline malate (for example 2:1), and for malate, look at the amount of pure citrulline per serving. Determine whether you want standalone L-Citrulline or a combination with L-Arginine, and whether you prefer capsules or powder. Pay attention to the purity and the price per daily serving. L-Citrulline is an amino acid; for related products, also view our collections Amino Acids and L-Arginine.