amino acid · for muscle soreness
L-Citrulline
Better blood flow is meant to feed muscle and clear waste faster.
Say that in clinical terms
Improved blood flow enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles. Accelerates lactate clearance.
How strong is the research?
Not verified evidence
1 paper read.
Tested as: watermelon juice, not isolated L-citrulline
The research we could find tested watermelon juice, not isolated L-citrulline. That is a different preparation, and a result for one form is not a result for another.
How much to take
daily
6–8 g
Evidence primarily in exercise-associated muscle cramps.
Before you take it
- No NIH/IOM Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for L-citrulline; long-term safety data at doses above 6 g/day are limited.
- Additive hypotension risk when combined with PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil); this combination is contraindicated without physician supervision.
- Additive blood pressure-lowering effect when combined with antihypertensive medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, diuretics); medical supervision required before combining.
- L-citrulline is metabolized to L-arginine in the kidneys; caution is advised in individuals with severe renal impairment or known urea cycle disorders.
- No clinical trials have been conducted in pregnant or breastfeeding populations; use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be avoided without medical guidance.