If you’re into fitness or bodybuilding, chances are that you’ve heard of L-Citrulline. L-Citrulline supplements are quite popular these days, with an increasing number of people becoming aware of their uses and benefits. But what exactly is L-Citrulline and what are the reasons behind its popularity? What makes it an important ingredient in pump supplements? Read on to find out!
What is L-Citrulline?
L-Citrulline is a naturally occurring amino acid, produced by your body. It can also be found in some foods such as fruits. Although it is produced in small quantities by your body, it is vital to many processes that ensure your well-being.
The substance is one of two types of the amino acid Citrulline, the other being Citrulline Malate — a combination of Citrulline and Malic Acid. It is the purer form of Citrulline. Both L-Citrulline and Citrulline Malate are widely used in supplements, and both are considered to be equally effective in providing great health benefits.
Why is it so popular in supplements?
L-Citrulline’s popularity can be attributed to many factors. It is one of the few substances that benefits the human body; therefore, you will find it in many quality bodybuilding supplements. It also has pump-enhancing properties, so your body looks even better after a workout session.
Here are some of the other benefits L-Citrulline provides:
- Decreases ammonia and lactic acid levels
- Increases nitric oxide production in your body
- Reduces fatigue and gives your body an energy boost
- Improves blood flow all over the body, helping with blood pressure problems
- Helps with focusing and improves cognitive performance
Should I take L-Citrulline?
Due to the numerous health and exercise benefits they provide, L-Citrulline supplements can be an appealing option for many people. These include avid gym-goers, sports athletes, and bodybuilders, among other individuals. Some opt for them to gain increased strength and better workout performance, others want better endurance, while yet others use them to be more focused and alert, without resorting to other supplements.
L-Citrulline is also an attractive option for those who want to recover faster from exercise sessions. Moreover, individuals seeking better pumps after their workouts also find L-Citrulline supplements a good option.
If you fit into any of these above-mentioned categories, taking L-Citrulline supplements is an excellent choice for you to achieve your desired goals. Or if you simply want to improve your overall well-being and become more energetic, then too, these supplements are worth considering.
What to expect from taking L-Citrulline?
If you actively partake in intense physical activities as part of your fitness regime, L-Citrulline can help increase your performance. It helps your body produce more nitric oxide, which in turn expands your arteries, improving blood flow. Since it also helps you focus, you’ll have more effective and fulfilling workout sessions.
Once you start taking L-Citrulline supplements, you can expect improvements in your exercise performance, less fatigue, and increased focus. If you have blood pressure problems, L-Citrulline may help with that too, to some extent.
If you’re into bodybuilding, besides experiencing increased performance, you’ll have better post-workout pumps. This is one of the reasons why L-Citrulline supplements are so appealing to bodybuilders.
When should I take it?
To get the best results, L-Citrulline should normally be taken before workouts, usually as part of the pre-exercise supplements. Taking them 30-45 minutes before your workout is ideal. Some individuals prefer taking them on an empty stomach, with the belief that it helps with assimilation.
While that does help in some cases, it really is up to you whether you prefer doing that or taking the supplements with a meal.
Another important question that must be addressed is exactly how much L-Citrulline should you take. The dosage depends on your goals. If you’re taking it for improvements in strength and performance, then your daily consumption should obviously be higher than somebody who’s taking it for general well-being.
The average daily consumption of L-Citrulline should be between 3 and 6 grams, depending on your desired goals.
Does L-Citrulline occur naturally?
Your body produces L-Citrulline in limited quantities, so it is classified as a non-essential amino acid. But you can also get it through some foods. L-Citrulline naturally occurs in watermelons, cucumbers, gourds, and pumpkins.
Does overdosing on L-Citrulline have any side effects?
With any supplement, a common question that arises is if there are any side effects in case you consume more than the recommended amount. With some of them, overdosing can cause problems such as diarrhea, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, and liver damage, among other ailments.
Thankfully, consuming high doses of L-Citrulline doesn’t pose any major health risks. But if you’re already taking supplements that do what L-Citrulline does — increasing nitric oxide production, then there’s a high chance some complications might arise.
This may also be the case if you happen to be taking some medicines that affect nitric oxide production.
The best course of action is to always consult a dietician or your general physician before you start taking any supplements, not just L-Citrulline ones.
Can L-Citrulline be paired with any other supplements?
L-Citrulline can be paired with various other ingredients as part of your pre-workout supplement. Here is a list of some of the substances that work well with L-Citrulline:
- Theanine: it is known to reduce fatigue, boost energy levels and enhance cognitive abilities.
- Caffeine: this is a popular choice for individuals looking to pair L-Citrulline with another ingredient. The two complement each other and give you even more energy.
- Glycerol: this is another substance that pairs well with L-Citrulline. It keeps your muscles hydrated during your workout and contributes to a fuller post-workout pump.
What are some good L-Citrulline supplements I can buy?
Given the many brands out there that are selling L-Citrulline supplements, selecting one option can be a daunting task.
On Amazon, you’ll find plenty of high quality products. Just make sure to go over the ingredient panel, reviews, and of course, compare the prices.
