Citrulline
Description
Citrulline is an alpha-amino acid that, while not incorporated into proteins during synthesis, plays a critical role in the urea cycle. This metabolic pathway is essential for converting excess ammonia, a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea, which can then be safely excreted from the body. This detoxification process is fundamental for maintaining proper physiological function and preventing the harmful accumulation of ammonia. Of particular significance, Citrulline can be efficiently converted into L-arginine in the kidneys. Arginine is the direct precursor for nitric oxide (NO), a powerful vasodilator that signals blood vessels to relax and widen. This improved vasodilation leads to enhanced blood flow, facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to active muscles, which is highly beneficial for both exercise performance and post-exercise recovery. Consequently, Citrulline is widely utilized as a supplement to support athletic endurance, reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, and promote overall cardiovascular health by helping to regulate blood pressure and improve circulation. It is naturally present in certain foods and is a popular ingredient in sports nutrition and formulations aimed at vascular support.
Sources
WatermelonCucumbersPumpkinsSquashBitter melon
Cheapest Citrulline Supplements
Best Citrulline supplements
Value Citrulline supplements
Optimal Dosage
Minimum3000 mg
Maximum6000 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Goals
Cardiovascular Support
Impact
High effect
As the most bioavailable and effective oral supplement for increasing arginine levels and boosting nitric oxide, L-citrulline is a top-tier intervention for improving blood flow, endothelial function, and blood pressure. Its priority should be high.
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Fitness
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:4000–8000 mg
Citrulline is more effective at increasing blood arginine levels than taking arginine itself due to better bioavailability. The resulting increase in nitric oxide (NO) widens blood vessels, which can improve endurance, increase the 'pump' during workouts, and facilitate faster recovery.
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Heart Health
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:3000–6000 mg
Unlike Arginine, which is heavily metabolized by the liver, Citrulline bypasses this process and is converted to Arginine in the kidneys, making it a more bioavailable precursor for NO synthesis. This sustained increase in NO improves endothelial function and vasodilation.
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Muscle Gain
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:3–6 g
Improved blood flow can lead to better performance and a more significant 'pump' during workouts. It may also aid in recovery by reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
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Weight Gain
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:4–8 g
Citrulline is a precursor to Arginine and is more effective at increasing blood Arginine levels than supplementing with Arginine itself. This leads to increased nitric oxide (NO) production, which widens blood vessels. The resulting improvements in circulation can enhance the 'pump' during workouts, support endurance, and facilitate better recovery.
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Interactions
Positive Interactions
Arginine
Citrulline is converted to Arginine in the body, boosting overall nitric oxide production when taken together, enhancing blood flow and performance.
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
By increasing Arginine levels, Citrulline can augment the nitric oxide boosting effects of AAKG, further supporting vasodilation and muscle pumps.
Creatine
Citrulline's improved blood flow can enhance nutrient delivery to muscles, complementing Creatine's role in energy production and supporting overall exercise performance.
L-Carnitine
Citrulline's benefits in circulation can enhance the delivery of L-Carnitine to tissues, supporting its role in energy metabolism and fatty acid transport.
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Citrulline's improved blood flow can enhance the delivery of Acetyl L-Carnitine to target tissues, supporting its roles in cognitive function and energy metabolism.
Coenzyme Q-10
Both support cardiovascular health; Citrulline improves blood flow while CoQ10 provides antioxidant support and aids in cellular energy production, creating a synergistic effect.
Magnesium
Magnesium supports muscle function and relaxation, while Citrulline improves blood flow to muscles, potentially enhancing performance and recovery synergistically.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can protect nitric oxide from degradation, potentially prolonging and enhancing the vasodilatory effects mediated by Citrulline.
Folate
Folate is involved in nitric oxide synthesis and metabolism, and adequate levels can support the pathway that Citrulline influences to produce NO.
Negative Interactions
Hawthorn
Hawthorn can have blood pressure-lowering effects. Combining with Citrulline, which also promotes vasodilation and can lower blood pressure, might lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids can have mild blood pressure-lowering effects. Combining with Citrulline may lead to an additive hypotensive effect, especially in individuals prone to low blood pressure.
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
EPA can have mild blood pressure-lowering effects. Combining with Citrulline may lead to an additive hypotensive effect, especially in individuals prone to low blood pressure.
DHA
DHA can have mild blood pressure-lowering effects. Combining with Citrulline may lead to an additive hypotensive effect, especially in individuals prone to low blood pressure.
Fish Oil
Fish Oil, containing Omega-3s, can have mild blood pressure-lowering effects. Combining with Citrulline may lead to an additive hypotensive effect, especially in individuals prone to low blood pressure.
Recommended products
Value 
L-Citrulline 1000 mg
The Vitamin Shoppe
Citrulline: 1000 mg
This is a simple, effective L-Citrulline supplement, delivering 1000mg per capsule for targeted nitric oxide support and convenience.
Budget 
Arginine & Citrulline 500 mg/250 mg
NOW Sports
Citrulline: 250 mg
A well-dosed L-Arginine and L-Citrulline supplement in capsules, offering good value for supporting cardiovascular health and exercise.
Value 
Arginine & Citrulline 500 mg / 250 mg
NOW Sports
Citrulline: 250 mg
A high-value, large-count L-Arginine and L-Citrulline capsule supplement from NOW Sports, ideal for consistent daily use to support blood flow and performance.
Value 
L-Citrulline 1000 mg
Nutricost
Citrulline: 1000 mg
Nutricost's L-Citrulline offers a solid 1000mg dose per capsule at an outstanding price, making it a highly economical and convenient choice for nitric oxide support.
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Citrulline Unflavored
Axe & Sledge Supplements
Citrulline: 5000 mg
Axe & Sledge Citrulline offers a potent 5000mg dose in unflavored powder, ideal for athletes seeking maximum performance, blood flow, and muscle pump during intense training.
Best 
NOVA Complete Natural Black Cherry Flavor
NuMedica
Citrulline: 3000 mg
<p>This supplement combines ingredients like L-Citrulline, Beet root, and Hawthorn, aiming to support circulation and general heart health, with added vitamins, minerals, and a mild energy component.</p>
Best 
L-Citrulline 2000 mg
AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
Citrulline: 2000 mg
AN Amazing Nutrition's L-Citrulline delivers a potent 2000mg dose per tablet at an excellent price, offering strong support for fitness and cardiovascular health.
Value 
L-Arginine + L-Citrulline 750 mg
Nutricost
Citrulline: 250 mg
A high-value L-Arginine and L-Citrulline capsule supplement from Nutricost, featuring a balanced dosage and excellent price per serving.
Value 
L-Arginine L-Citrulline Complex 1000 mg
Best Naturals
Citrulline: 250 mg
A large-count L-Arginine HCl and L-Citrulline tablet supplement, offering a higher arginine dose per serving for cardiovascular and fitness support.
Budget 
Nitric Oxide Booster
Nutricost Performance
Citrulline: 375 mg
A multi-form L-Arginine and L-Citrulline booster from Nutricost Performance, designed for comprehensive nitric oxide support and enhanced exercise performance.
Budget 
L-Arginine L-Citrulline Complex
Source Naturals
Citrulline: 250 mg
A balanced L-Arginine HCl and L-Citrulline tablet supplement from Source Naturals, providing consistent nitric oxide support at a good value.
Budget 
L-Arginine L-Citrulline Complex
Source Naturals
Citrulline: 250 mg
A high-value, large-count L-Arginine HCl and L-Citrulline tablet supplement from Source Naturals, ideal for sustained cardiovascular and fitness support.
Best 
Pump-Ocalypse Blue Raz
Bucked Up
Citrulline: 3000 mg
<p>This non-stimulant pre-workout focuses on boosting muscle pumps and enhancing workout performance through ingredients that support nitric oxide and hydration.</p>
Best 
SuperPump Aggression Fruit Punch Fury
Gaspari Nutrition
Citrulline: 4000 mg
This is a high-stim pre-workout designed for intense energy, focus, and performance support during challenging training sessions.
Best 
SuperPump Aggression Jersey Mobster Italian Ice
Gaspari Nutrition
Citrulline: 4000 mg
This is a high-stim pre-workout designed for intense energy, focus, and performance support during challenging training sessions.
Best 
SuperPump Aggression Mayhem Mango
Gaspari Nutrition
Citrulline: 4000 mg
This is a high-stimulant pre-workout blend crafted for intense energy, improved focus, and enhanced muscle performance, best suited for experienced users seeking a powerful boost.
Best 
Prevail Pre-Workout Tropical Punch
Cutler Nutrition
Citrulline: 4000 mg
This is a potent pre-workout blend designed to boost energy, sharpen focus, and support muscle pump for demanding training sessions.
Best 
High Volume Blue Frost
PEScience
Citrulline: 4000 mg
<p>This supplement is formulated with L-Citrulline, Arginine Nitrate, and Agmatine Sulfate to support workout pump and blood flow during exercise, though it includes a proprietary blend that limits full ingredient disclosure.</p>
Best 
Loaded Pre Freedom Rocks
Ryse
Citrulline: 4500 mg
This pre-workout provides strong stimulant energy and focus with a blend of fast and slow-release caffeine, supported by ingredients for muscle endurance and blood flow.
Value 
L-Citrulline 500 mg
California Gold Nutrition
Citrulline: 500 mg
California Gold Nutrition's L-Citrulline offers an incredibly low price for a 500mg dose, making it an accessible and flexible option for budget-conscious users or those needing smaller, precise servings.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$31.42
Median$29.99
Price per serving
Average$1.12
Median$1.16
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.17
Median$0.08
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
Citrulline Malate (1) 88
L-Citrulline Malate combines the amino acid L-citrulline with malic acid (malate) in varying ratios (e.g., 2:1 or 1:1). L-citrulline is a precursor to nitric oxide, which helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles. Malate, a tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate, is thought to further enhance energy production and lactic acid buffering, contributing to improved endurance and reduced muscle soreness.
Pros
- Significantly enhances nitric oxide production, improving blood flow.
- Proven to boost exercise performance and endurance.
- Helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue post-exercise.
- Supports overall cardiovascular health.
- Malate component may contribute to energy metabolism.
Cons
- High doses can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., nausea, diarrhea).
- Requires relatively high dosages (typically 6-8g of 2:1 CM) for optimal effects.
- Taste can be tart, especially in unflavored powders.
Per product
Avg$51.00
Med$51.00
Per serving
Avg$1.70
Med$1.70
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.24
Med$0.24
Price distribution
L-Citrulline Malate (1) 88
L-Citrulline Malate combines the amino acid L-citrulline with malic acid (malate) in varying ratios (e.g., 2:1 or 1:1). L-citrulline is a precursor to nitric oxide, which helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles. Malate, a tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate, is thought to further enhance energy production and lactic acid buffering, contributing to improved endurance and reduced muscle soreness.
Pros
- Significantly enhances nitric oxide production, improving blood flow.
- Proven to boost exercise performance and endurance.
- Helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue post-exercise.
- Supports overall cardiovascular health.
- Malate component may contribute to energy metabolism.
Cons
- High doses can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., nausea, diarrhea).
- Requires relatively high dosages (typically 6-8g of 2:1 CM) for optimal effects.
- Taste can be tart, especially in unflavored powders.
Per product
Avg$34.99
Med$34.99
Per serving
Avg$1.16
Med$1.16
Per 10 mg
Avg$0.46
Med$0.46
Price distribution