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Click to Enlarge Unit Weight: 1500 grams Unit Volume: 2450 cc Click to Enlarge Certificate of Analysis Click to Enlarge Volumetric Equivalents

What is L-Citrulline?

The organic compound L-Citrulline or simply Citrulline is an amino acid fundamental to proper functioning of the urea cycle and liver detoxification. Citrulline works by eliminating endotoxins to prevent lactic acid and ammonia build up, by functioning as an intermediary in the Urea Cycle. These endotoxins hamper overall exercise performance and are manufactured by the body in response to intense physical exertion, protein metabolism and catabolic states. Citrulline supplementation dramatically speeds up the disposal of these lactic acid and ammonia waste products from your working muscles, yielding to a much better performance from the working muscle tissue and enabling you to train harder and recover much faster with each and every workout.

The highest levels of citrulline are found in the liver. Citrulline is synthesized in the mitochondria (the power plants) of cells and moved to the cytoplasm to then be transformed to arginine. Arginine is very important because the body utilizes arginine for wound healing, removing excess ammonia from the body, protein and sperm cell synthesis and promoting the secretion of essential hormones (growth hormone, glucagon for energy, insulin for blood sugar control, etc.). Arginine is also needed to produce nitric oxide, a compound which is a critical component in cell communication and vasodilation.

L-Citrulline (Citrulline) is an important non-essential amino acid for detoxification of the liver from ammonia (waste product from oxidation), rebuilding and muscle recovery. L-Citrulline is a precursor of L- Arginine, a part of the L-arginine – NO (nitric oxide) pathway, and thus plays a crucial part in controlling Nitric Oxide (NO) production. Citrulline also helps to keep Arginine shortages at bay because citrulline is clinically better than ornithine at maintaining arginine levels and functions, and Citrulline can be converted to arginine. L-Citrulline, like arginine, is an important amino acid since it can convert into nitric oxide, which enhances arterial blood flow and relaxes blood vessels. NO also have antioxidant functions, helping to protect cardiovascular tissues from oxidative damage leading to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. The amino acid citrulline promotes energy and stimulates the immune system, and is also required to detoxify the liver from ammonia, a waste product of the body from oxidation.

Citrulline will assist you in training harder and longer during intense exercise sessions in a similar manner to the energy production of creatine, without any side effects of cramping, bloating or water retention. Recent research studies suggest that Citrulline is even more effective than arginine for enhancing overall plasma arginine levels. The reason for this is Citrulline's effects on endogenous arginine synthesis. This leads researchers to believe that Citrulline may indeed be more potent at nitric oxide (NO) production than supplementing with arginine and AAKG supplements. Citrulline has also been demonstrated to be very effective at growth hormone (GH), insulin and creatine production.

Although further research is still required to ascertain the many benefits of citrulline to the body, numerous studies have confirmed that among the benefits and uses of citrulline are ammonia detoxification of the liver and muscles, stimulation of muscle protein synthesis, improved nitrogen balance, increased energy, proper immune system functioning, prolonged muscle endurance and increased nitric oxide production. Citrulline is found naturally in many common foods. The best way to get the adequate and required amounts of citrulline and other nutrients your body needs is by consuming a balanced diet of meat, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. In general, citrulline-rich foods are those high in protein which includes eggs, meat, fish, legumes, milk products and watermelon rinds.

What is L-Citrulline used for and who uses it?

Just like Citrulline Malate, L-Citrulline is effective and beneficial to anyone involved in high intensity resistance and endurance exercise. This would include strength athletes, powerlifters, strongman competitors, bodybuilders, runners and sprinters and cyclists, just to name a few people who will benefit from Citrulline supplementation. Anyone who is involved in aerobic exercise and who wants to enhance performance and recovery may benefit from L-Citrulline supplementation. Since L-Citrulline enhances the recovery process it may be useful for the recovery process of power athletes. Studies have confirmed, that citrulline can significantly improve aerobic performance and delay the onset of muscular fatigue. Citrulline can help in the long run in improving immune system deficiencies, because of its ability to eliminate and neutralize toxic substances. As a supplement, Citrulline brings plenty of benefits to the table. Aside from helping the body overcome fatigue and stress from daily work and regular exercise, the right amount of citrulline levels in the body promotes increased energy and ensures normal functioning of the immune system. As such, Citrulline supplements are a natural way to boost your body's defense system. Conversely, a shortage in citrulline levels would make fatigue a common problem, thus staving off your chances of obtaining optimal health and wellness.

Citrulline is often administered to patients undergoing treatment from urine problems. Because Citrulline is easy to use, can be prescribed for any age group, and is capable of minimizing almost every problem related to excessive urination, this compound has been used to treat frequent urination. Additionally, scientific studies have shown that citrulline is beneficial to people suffering from cardiovascular diseases because it can reverse the gradual advancement of atherosclerosis (hardening and congestion of arteries). Citrulline supplements help to facilitate production of arginine, the amino acid responsible in the production of nitric oxide in our body, as citrulline is converted into arginine into our body. Nitric oxide is important because it promotes healthy flow of blood, thus contributing to overall health. The heart finds it difficult to transport blood if there is a deficiency of nitric acid. Intake of arginine supplements such as Citrulline ensures nitric oxide levels are at an optimum level, thus increasing stamina, and boosting physical activity.

How pure is your L-Citrulline?

This pharmaceutical grade amino acid L-Citrulline (commonly referred to as Citrulline) is assayed by the manufacturer to be 99.1% pure (normal range 98.5% and up). You will receive a double sealed labeled bulk polyethylene bag containing this white crystalline powder product. It does not contain any fillers, additives or anti-caking agents. Overall, studies suggest that citrulline supplementation can boost athletic performance and enhance recovery by eliminating the amino acid breakdown products of protein metabolism and augmenting the detoxifying capacity of liver cells in removal of ammonia and lactate from the blood. L-Citrulline is a free form (base) amino acid nutritional supplement. As such, this L-Citrulline Base powder is the most basic form without any additional chemical groups attached. This free form L-Citrulline Base is therefore somewhat more potent and concentrated with L-Citrulline than all other L-Citrulline analog molecules. For individuals that want the most L-Citrulline for their money, or want to encapsulate their L-Citrulline supplement, or for individuals that have no troubles with the acid or sour taste of this bulk powder, this pure bulk powder ranks high among the most potent and economical L-Citrulline supplements available. For these reasons, it makes sense to consider taking Citrulline as a supplement.

What are some of the common effects of L-Citrulline?

The organic compound citrulline is an amino acid important for the liver, because is utilized by the body to eliminate and neutralize toxic by-products, such as ammonia. Citrulline is directly responsible in the detoxification of liver cells from ammonia, a waste product of oxidation, and it helps the immune system in fighting infections and increasing energy as well. As such this organic compound is of paramount importance for metabolic processes and also in keeping the nitrogen balance in the body. This amino acid prevents muscle fatigue, as it helps in production of energy, and, through its conversion into the amino acid Arginine, our body is able to optimize blood flow. Arginine also allows and supports circulatory function by increasing the production of nitric acid in the endolithium.

What is the daily suggested dose of L-Citrulline?

Recommended daily allowances (RDAs) are defined as the levels of intake of essential nutrients that the Food and Nutrition Board judges to be adequate to meet the known nutrient needs of most healthy persons. Specific recommendations for each vitamin depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). The effective dosages commonly seen and reported in scientific literature for L-Citrulline is three grams twice daily. One level teaspoon will supply approximately 2765 milligrams, or just about 2.8 to 3 grams for the bulk density of this L-Citrulline powder. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for L-Citrulline here. Recent anecdotal reports from the bodybuilders and strength athletes suggest that using Citrulline in conjunction with Beta Alanine and L-Histidine would be of great benefit to the user. Both of these substances work synergistically to increase carnosine levels within the muscles, resulting in a similar improved performance and increased Nitric Oxide production.

One point to keep in mind is that the body needs a supply of all the amino acids in order to effectively create and utilize proteins so if you intend to supplement any of the amino acids it is of paramount importance that you have a balanced intake of all the other amino acids. Being deficient in even one amino acid will lower the efficiency of all the other amino acids in your body. People with liver or kidney disease should not take this or any other amino acid supplement without first consulting their physician. Getting too much of any one amino acid can throw the citric acid cycle out of balance, which makes the liver and kidneys work harder to eliminate toxins.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

Precautions, Interactions, and Potential side effects of L-Citrulline

Although citrulline side effects have not been shown or observed in clinical results or medical literature, Citrulline should not be taken at the same time as glutamine or glutamine-fortified products like some supplements. It can be consumed at a different time of the day except in cases where there is a severe arginine deficiency, in which case glutamine should be avoided until healthy and optimal arginine levels are achieved. Those susceptible to viral cold sores might find that increased intake of arginine from arginine-rich food (nuts and chocolate) or supplements may result to new incidences. Since citrulline helps to increase and improve arginine levels, it would be best for cold sore sufferers to be advised of this possible side effect from high arginine levels. Arginine is not recommended for those who have suffered heart attacks, and anyone using medications should advise their physician before using arginine or citrulline.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of L-Citrulline

This product dissolves quickly in water and has a deliciously sour taste. Just mix your usual dose with water or juice and drink. For best results supplement with between 3 and 6 grams of Citrulline 35-45 minutes prior to intense exercise. If you already take a pre-workout shake then adding citrulline (if there isn't any there already) can make it even more effective.

L-Citrulline is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

BSN NO-Xplode, Gaspari Nutrition SuperPump250, VPX NO Shotgun V.3, SciVation Xtend, MuscleTech Nitro-Tech Hardcore, NOW L-Citrulline, PrimaForce Citrulline Malate, Source Naturals L-Citrulline, Supplement Direct L-Citrulline Malate 2:1

References & Further Research

Watermelon consumption increases plasma arginine concentrations in adults
Watermelon is a rich source of citrulline. No detailed studies have been conducted to evaluate plasma arginine response in humans after long-term feeding of citrulline from natural plant sources. This study investigated if watermelon juice consumption increases fasting concentrations of plasma arginine, ornithine, and citrulline in healthy adult humans. The increased fasting plasma concentrations of arginine and ornithine and stable concentrations of plasma citrulline in response to watermelon juice consumption indicated that the citrulline from this plant origin was effectively converted into arginine.

Citrulline malate promotes aerobic energy production in human exercising muscle
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of citrulline malate supplementation on muscle energetics. Eighteen men complaining of fatigue but with no documented disease were included in the study. A rest-exercise (finger flexions)-recovery protocol was performed twice before, three times during, and once after 15 days of oral supplementation with 6 g/day citrulline malate. The changes in muscle metabolism produced by citrulline malate treatment indicate that citrulline malate may promote aerobic energy production.

Arginine, citrulline, and nitric oxide metabolism in end-stage renal disease patients
“Arginine, traditionally considered to be a nutritionally dispensable (nonessential) amino acid, serves multiple functions in addition to its role in protein synthesis. It is the precursor of nitric oxide (NO), creatine, agmatine, and other polyamines, and is an intermediate in the urea cycle.”

L-Citrulline and L-arginine supplementation retards the progression of high-cholesterol-diet-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits
“The oral administration of L-citrulline, as a precursor to L-arginine and NO, was reported to be beneficial in sickle cell disease in humans. Studies indicate that the L-citrulline to L-arginine recycling pathway in endothelial cells may be the principal mechanism for sustaining localized L-arginine availability for eNOS-catalyzed NO production.”

L-Citrulline and L-arginine supplementation retards the progression of high-cholesterol-diet-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits
Herein lies a plausible explanation for atherogenesis, because it is well appreciated that NO elicits a multifaceted array of pharmacological actions, all of which are protective against the progression of atherosclerosis. A common feature of inflammation and atherosclerosis is oxidative stress, which can lead not only to cell membrane injury but also the destruction of NO. Thus, the natural antioxidant properties of NO are lost, and oxidative stress continues unabated. In the present study, fatty diet-induced atherosclerosis and oxidative stress were reversed upon oral administration of L-arginine, L-citrulline, and antioxidants. These observations suggest that NO is the active species in reducing both the markers for oxidative stress and the progression of atherosclerosis.”

L-Citrulline for International Customers

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