|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

What Are the Benefits of Citrulline?

Citrulline is a phyto-nutrient amino acid that is converted into the amino acid arginine in the body. These two compounds play an important part in the urea cycle, whereby humans excrete ammonia. Citrulline is found in watermelon, milk, fish, legumes and flaxseed, with the highest concentration found in walnut seedlings. Citrulline is also produced naturally within the body.

  1. Liver Health

    • As an important part of the urea cycle, citrulline helps to expel ammonia from the liver. Citrulline is created internally by the body by the mixing of ammonia, carbon dioxide and orthinine in the cell's mitochondria. Much of this activity takes place in the liver, where high concentrations of citrulline are found. The citrulline is then flushed out, taking the absorbed ammonia with it. Citrulline supplements also support the absorption of ammonia and the detoxification of the liver, according to Citrullis.com.

    Fatigue Recovery

    • In addition to clearing the liver of ammonia, citrulline plays a role in clearing fatigued muscles of ammonia. When lactic acid and ammonia build up in muscles as a result of working out or physical stress, citrulline acts to clear out these fatigue-causing elements and frees up the muscle for fresh energy production. Citrulline supplements are regularly taken by athletes and body builders to help them overcome muscle fatigue quickly and naturally.

    Heart Health

    • Citrulline is a precursor to the amino acid arganine, which in turn releases nitric oxide into the bloodstream. Nitric oxide is essential for proper vasodilatation, or opening of the blood vessels. Citrulline promotes healthy circulation and the proper flow of blood through the system, helping to treat hypertension, angina and other cardiovascular problems, according to Medical News Today.

    Sexual Function

    • According to Medical News Today, the vasodilatation effects of citrulline help to support healthy sexual function, in a similar manner to Viagra. While citrulline is not organ specific, it does help improve blood flow to all parts of the body and relaxes the blood vessels. This helps treat erectile dysfunction; maintaining adequate levels of citrulline in the body may help prevent erectile disorders.

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles