Citrulline Information

Citrulline

Citrulline is an amino acid which is a key intermediate in the urea cycle (a pathway that excretes ammonia). This article discusses citrulline in general; there are different 'types' of citrulline, for example citrulline malate. These different forms are mainly manufactures as they have different bioavailability profiles, however they all impart the same effects.

During exercise waste products are produced that are a result of energy production. These waste products such as lactic acid and ammonia impair the performance of muscle tissue and eventually cause it to stop. Citrulline aids in the removal of these toxins therefore increasing the amount of time a muscle can be used.

Research also suggests than citrulline may be more effective than supplemental arginine for increasing nitric oxide production and growth hormone release. An increase in ATP levels and phosphocreatine levels after exercise has also been shown by research by supplementing with citrulline.

Citrulline can be found naturally in watermelon but much like creatine or arginine to be effective as an ergogenic aid supplementation is the only way to consume enough.

What Does This All Mean?
Citrulline can dramatically increase the rate at which by-products are excreted from the body and therefore increase the amount of time your muscles can perform work. In essence you can lift more weight for more reps! As citrulline increases phosphocreatine stores post workout it also increases muscle energy at a quicker rate so you can workout at the same intensity next time you hit the gym.

Serving Sizes?
As always you should read the supplement label before taking citrulline. Most studies have used 3g taken before a workout.

Complimentary Products?
Citrulline is often mixed with other products as part of a pre-workout boosting supplement. Other ingredients include arginine, creatine and caffeine

Citrulline also works particularly well with beta-alanine and L-Histidine as these products boost carnosine production. An increase in carnosine levels can boost the buffering capacity of muscle by 20% which in turn dramatically increases muscular performance and work capacity because of the delay of muscular fatigue.

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