L-Citrulline is used as a sports performance and cardiovascular health supplement. L-Citrulline supplementation results in reduced fatigue and improved endurance for both aerobic and anaerobic prolonged exercise. Though it’s considered safe, some are convinced it has potentially dangerous health effects.
What Is L-Citrulline?
L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that acts as an intermediate in the urea cycle, functioning along with Arginine and Ornithine to rid the body of ammonia. It is commonly used for heart disease, body building, increasing energy, and for improving athletic performance.
Possible Side Effects of L-Citrulline
L-Citrulline is generally considered a safe ingredient. The side effects may:
By dilating blood vessels and increasing nitric oxide, L-citrulline actually lowers overall blood pressure. While this can be helpful for users with prehypertension, some people already have low blood pressure, and further reduction can be harmful.
Another possible risk of L-citrulline is its effects on the kidneys. While it doesn’t cause direct harm, L-citrulline can increase overall creatine levels.
Creatine is widely taken to boost muscle recovery, but research shows that for some, too much creatine can actually harm kidney function or cause upset stomach. If you have low blood pressure or a condition affecting the kidneys, L-citrulline could cause serious problems. Your doctor can help you make the correct choices about usage or suggest an alternative.
GRAS Affirmation: Yes
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) is an American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designation that a chemical or substance added to food is considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements. L-Citrulline is considered safe by FDA.
Suggested Dosage
NA.
Special Populations Precaution
There is a lot of concern about diet and nutrition for these population, like Newborns, children, pregnant, sensitive to L-Citrulline populations. Better consult to your doctor if you would like to intake L-Citrulline.
Related Research
1. [The role of L-arginine and L-citrulline on atherosclerosis]. [Seikagaku. 2014 Jun] Author: Hayashi T.
2. l-Citrulline, But Not l-Arginine, Prevents Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Glomerular Hyperfiltration and Proteinuria in Rat. [Hypertension. 2014 May 27.] Author: Persson P, Fasching A, Teerlink T, Hansell P, Palm F.
3. L-citrulline provides a novel strategy for treating chronic pulmonary hypertension in newborn infants. [Acta Paediatr. 2014 May 26] Author: Fike CD, Summar M, Aschner JL.