Average Dosage and Usage:
Dosage:
The typical dosage of citrulline supplements can vary, but a common range is around 3 to 6 grams per day. This dosage is often divided into two or more servings throughout the day.
Usage:
Timing: Citrulline supplements are often taken before exercise to enhance performance. Some individuals also choose to take it as part of their pre-workout routine.
Forms: Citrulline is available in various forms, including L-citrulline, citrulline malate, and citrulline alpha-ketoglutarate (CAK). L-citrulline and citrulline malate are the most common forms. Citrulline malate combines citrulline with malic acid and is known for its potential to combat muscle fatigue.
Improved Exercise Performance: Citrulline is known to enhance nitric oxide production, leading to increased blood flow. This can improve exercise performance, delay fatigue, and reduce muscle soreness.
Enhanced Endurance: Citrulline supplementation may contribute to improved endurance during aerobic activities by supporting better oxygen delivery to muscles.
Potential Blood Pressure Regulation: Some studies suggest that citrulline may have a positive impact on blood pressure regulation, which could benefit cardiovascular health.
Ammonia Detoxification: Citrulline plays a role in the urea cycle, aiding in the removal of ammonia from the body. This is particularly relevant during intense exercise when ammonia levels can rise.
Support for Erectile Dysfunction: Citrulline is involved in the production of arginine, which, in turn, can increase nitric oxide levels and improve blood flow. This mechanism may have implications for addressing mild cases of erectile dysfunction.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or diarrhea, with citrulline supplementation.
Interactions with Medications: Citrulline may interact with certain medications, especially those affecting blood pressure. Individuals on medication should consult with a healthcare professional before using citrulline supplements.
Limited Long-Term Safety Data: While short-term use appears to be safe for most individuals, there is limited data on the long-term safety of citrulline supplementation.
Individual Variability: Responses to citrulline can vary among individuals. Factors such as dosage, form of citrulline, and overall health may influence its effectiveness and potential side effects.
Extraction from Natural Sources: Citrulline is naturally found in foods like watermelon. However, for supplementation purposes, it is often produced synthetically or extracted from natural sources.
Fermentation: Some citrulline supplements are produced through fermentation processes using microorganisms. This method yields a pure form of citrulline.
Purification: After extraction or fermentation, citrulline undergoes purification processes to remove impurities and ensure a high-quality product.
Conversion to Salts or Esters: Depending on the desired form of citrulline, it may be converted to salts or esters. Common forms include L-citrulline, citrulline malate, and others.
Capsules or Powder: Citrulline is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and powder. Powdered forms are often preferred for ease of dosage adjustment and faster absorption.
Quality Control: Reputable manufacturers adhere to quality control measures to ensure the purity, potency, and safety of citrulline supplements. Third-party testing may be employed to verify the quality of the final product.
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) - PubMed:
PubMed
Search for "citrulline" to find a multitude of research articles on various forms of citrulline.
Examine.com:
Examine.com - Citrulline
Examine.com provides evidence-based information on citrulline, summarizing research findings and linking to primary sources.
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (JISSN):
JISSN
Search for citrulline-related articles in this peer-reviewed journal that focuses on sports nutrition.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
EFSA - Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims
EFSA provides scientific opinions on health claims related to food and supplements, including citrulline.
ClinicalTrials.gov:
Explore ongoing or completed clinical trials related to citrulline. This can provide insights into the latest research.