Arginine & Citrulline 500 mg/250 mg
NOW Sports
Arginine & Citrulline 500 mg/250 mg
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(7381 ratings)
Citrulline 250 mg
Arginine 500 mg
Score 85.0
A foundational supplement combining L-Arginine and L-Citrulline from a reputable brand, designed to support nitric oxide production and blood flow, although multiple servings are typically needed to achieve research-backed dosages.
Quantity: 120 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Veg Capsule(s) (120 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Fitness
Muscle Gain
Cardiovascular Support
Heart Health
leaderboard Score 85.0
A foundational supplement combining L-Arginine and L-Citrulline from a reputable brand, designed to support nitric oxide production and blood flow, although multiple servings are typically needed to achieve research-backed dosages.
insights Analysis
This product combines L-Arginine and L-Citrulline, two amino acids crucial for nitric oxide production, which supports vasodilation and blood flow throughout the body. L-Arginine is a direct precursor to nitric oxide, while L-Citrulline is converted to L-Arginine in the kidneys, often proving more effective at raising plasma arginine levels than arginine supplementation alone due to better absorption. While the listed serving size provides 500mg of L-Arginine and 250mg of L-Citrulline, these dosages are significantly lower than what is commonly recommended in scientific studies for performance or cardiovascular benefits, often requiring multiple capsules per dose. Despite the low per-capsule dose, the product offers convenience and comes from a well-respected brand with a strong review history, making it a good foundation for those willing to adjust their intake.
- Combines L-Arginine and L-Citrulline, which work synergistically for nitric oxide production and enhanced bioavailability.
- NOW Sports is a highly reputable brand known for quality, purity, and often third-party testing, ensuring product integrity.
- The capsule form offers convenience for daily dosing, and the product has a high volume of positive online reviews.
- The dosages of 500mg L-Arginine and 250mg L-Citrulline per capsule are very low, requiring users to take several capsules (e.g., 6-12) per day to reach clinically effective levels (e.g., 3-6g Arginine, 3-8g Citrulline).
- Compared to higher-dose or powdered alternatives, the cost per *effective* dose can add up significantly, making it less economical for those seeking higher daily intakes without buying in bulk.
- Individuals with low blood pressure should consult a healthcare professional before use, as L-Arginine and L-Citrulline can further lower blood pressure due to their vasodilatory effects.
- People with herpes simplex should exercise caution as Arginine can potentially exacerbate outbreaks by promoting viral replication.
- Consult a doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, have a pre-existing medical condition (especially heart conditions or kidney disease), or are taking any medications, particularly those for blood pressure, nitrates, or erectile dysfunction, before taking this supplement.
$14.42($0.12 per serving)
 Amazon | $ 14.42 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 14.56 | |
 Vitacost | $ 15.29 | |
 Daily Vita | $ 15.60 | |
 iHerb | $ 16.52 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Yes, L-Citrulline supplementation can lead to higher and more sustained plasma L-Arginine levels than Arginine supplementation alone. This is because Citrulline bypasses intestinal and liver metabolism, being efficiently converted to Arginine in the kidneys. This indirect pathway can more effectively increase nitric oxide production.
L-Citrulline is often considered more effective at increasing sustained L-Arginine and nitric oxide levels in the body than L-Arginine itself. This is because L-Citrulline bypasses significant metabolism in the gut and liver, converting to L-Arginine more efficiently in the kidneys. This leads to a more pronounced and prolonged increase in circulating L-Arginine.
L-Citrulline is converted to L-Arginine in the kidneys, which then increases nitric oxide production. This can lead to enhanced blood flow to muscles during exercise, potentially reducing fatigue and improving endurance. It's particularly studied for high-intensity activities and resistance training.
Combining L-Arginine and L-Citrulline may offer enhanced and more sustained nitric oxide production. L-Citrulline can recycle back into L-Arginine, creating a continuous supply for nitric oxide synthesis. This combined approach could potentially lead to greater and longer-lasting effects on blood flow compared to taking either supplement alone.
L-Citrulline is converted to L-Arginine in the body, leading to increased nitric oxide production. This can help improve blood flow to muscles during exercise, potentially enhancing endurance and reducing fatigue. Studies have shown L-Citrulline to be effective in improving performance in both aerobic and anaerobic exercises.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Yes, Arginine and Citrulline can be taken together, and some individuals choose to combine them. Citrulline is converted to Arginine in the body, which can effectively increase Arginine levels. Taking them together may offer a synergistic approach, potentially providing both immediate and sustained benefits.
Citrulline is generally considered more effective at increasing and sustaining blood Arginine levels when taken orally. This is because Arginine itself undergoes significant breakdown in the gut and liver (first-pass metabolism) before reaching systemic circulation. Citrulline bypasses this metabolism and is efficiently converted to Arginine in the kidneys.
For exercise performance, dosages of L-Citrulline typically range from 6 to 8 grams per day. If using Citrulline Malate (often a 2:1 ratio of Citrulline to Malate), a common dose is 8 to 12 grams, providing an equivalent amount of L-Citrulline. For general cardiovascular support, lower doses around 3-4 grams may be suggested.
For exercise performance, typical dosages are 6 to 8 grams of L-Citrulline, or 8 to 12 grams of Citrulline Malate. Citrulline Malate is often a 2:1 ratio (6-8g L-Citrulline). It's generally recommended to take it about 60 minutes before physical activity.
When combining them, it's generally recommended to start with conservative doses for each. Since Citrulline effectively raises Arginine levels, you might consider slightly lower individual Arginine doses than if taking it alone. Monitoring your body's response is key to finding the optimal combined dosage.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, L-Arginine and L-Citrulline can generally be taken together. L-Citrulline is a precursor to L-Arginine, and combining them may lead to sustained increases in nitric oxide levels. However, potential additive effects on blood pressure should be considered.
Yes, L-Arginine can interact with medications for blood pressure, erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil), and nitrates, potentially causing blood pressure to drop too low. It may also interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial, especially if taking other medications.
Common side effects of L-Arginine can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea, especially at higher doses. These effects are generally mild and temporary. Individuals may also experience a drop in blood pressure.
L-Citrulline is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or diarrhea. These side effects are more likely at higher doses. It can also potentially lower blood pressure.
Yes, L-Arginine can interact with medications for high blood pressure. Because L-Arginine can lower blood pressure, taking it with antihypertensive drugs might cause blood pressure to drop too low. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before combining them.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
L-Arginine | 500 mg |
L-Citrulline | 250 mg |
Categories
Citrulline 85.0
Includes L-Citrulline, which is often more effectively absorbed and converted to L-Arginine than direct arginine, making it a highly valuable component for boosting nitric oxide. The quality of the ingredient and brand reputation are strong.
Arginine 80.0
Provides L-Arginine, a direct precursor to nitric oxide, from a trusted brand. Although the per-capsule dose is 500mg, the product allows for flexible dosing to achieve higher total arginine intake for its physiological benefits.
Goals
Fitness 85.0
This combination effectively supports improved blood flow and nutrient delivery to working muscles, enhancing endurance and exercise performance. While individual capsules contain modest doses, taking multiple servings allows users to achieve the beneficial nitric oxide boosting effects for fitness goals.
Both L-Arginine and L-Citrulline are well-established for their role in nitric oxide production, which is vital for maintaining healthy blood vessel elasticity and regulating blood pressure. Consistent daily intake, customizable by taking additional capsules, supports long-term cardiovascular well-being.
Muscle Gain 80.0
By promoting vasodilation, this supplement can contribute to a better 'pump' during workouts and improve nutrient transport to muscles, supporting recovery and growth. Users can adjust the number of capsules to reach a dose that aids in these physiological responses.
Recommended Alternatives
70 Value 
L-Arginine 1000 mg
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(9054 ratings)
Provides a higher 1000mg L-Arginine dose per serving at a very competitive price per serving, offering more active ingredient for the money, even without Citrulline.
75 Value 
L-Arginine + L-Citrulline 750 mg
Nutricost
4.7
★★★★★
(1239 ratings)
Offers the same L-Arginine/L-Citrulline ratio as the original but at a significantly lower price per serving, providing much better value for a similar formulation.
78 Value 
L-Arginine L-Citrulline Complex
Source Naturals
4.5
★★★★★
(3843 ratings)
Delivers a higher total dose (750mg Arginine, 250mg Citrulline) per serving than the original product, combined with a lower price per serving, making it a better value for comprehensive Arginine/Citrulline support.
85 Performance 
N.O. Pro with Beet Root
ZHOU
4.2
★★★★★
(3540 ratings)
This product offers a much more comprehensive and potent blend for nitric oxide support, including higher doses of Arginine AKG, Arginine HCl, Citrulline Malate, and the added benefit of Beet Root, providing superior efficacy for fitness and cardiovascular goals.
90 Performance 
SuperPump Aggression Fruit Punch Fury
Gaspari Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(213 ratings)
A high-end pre-workout product with a significant 4000mg L-Citrulline dose along with other performance-enhancing ingredients, making it far more effective for muscle gain and intense fitness goals than the original product.
80 Performance 
Arginine Citrulline
MNP Michael's Naturopathic Programs
4.8
★★★★★
(196 ratings)
Delivers substantially higher doses of both L-Citrulline (750mg) and L-Arginine (2250mg) per serving, plus Beet, providing a more robust impact on nitric oxide production and potentially better results for all stated goals.
65 Budget 
L-Arginine 500 mg
Swanson
4.7
★★★★★
(3442 ratings)
Offers a basic L-Arginine supplement at a very low overall price, making it accessible for those seeking simple Arginine support without the added Citrulline, though at a similar low dose per capsule.
60 Budget 
L-Arginine 500 mg
Mason Natural
4.7
★★★★★
(240 ratings)
Provides L-Arginine at a highly competitive price point, offering similar foundational support for nitric oxide pathways, though again, it lacks Citrulline and has a low dose per capsule.
62 Budget 
L-Arginine 500 mg
Swanson Premium Brand
4.7
★★★★★
(3306 ratings)
Another cost-effective option for basic L-Arginine supplementation, delivering a standard 500mg dose per capsule at a very affordable price, suitable for budget-conscious consumers.
70 Value
L-Arginine 1000 mg
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(9054 ratings)
Provides a higher 1000mg L-Arginine dose per serving at a very competitive price per serving, offering more active ingredient for the money, even without Citrulline.
75 Value
L-Arginine + L-Citrulline 750 mg
Nutricost
4.7
★★★★★
(1239 ratings)
Offers the same L-Arginine/L-Citrulline ratio as the original but at a significantly lower price per serving, providing much better value for a similar formulation.
78 Value
L-Arginine L-Citrulline Complex
Source Naturals
4.5
★★★★★
(3843 ratings)
Delivers a higher total dose (750mg Arginine, 250mg Citrulline) per serving than the original product, combined with a lower price per serving, making it a better value for comprehensive Arginine/Citrulline support.
85 Performance
N.O. Pro with Beet Root
ZHOU
4.2
★★★★★
(3540 ratings)
This product offers a much more comprehensive and potent blend for nitric oxide support, including higher doses of Arginine AKG, Arginine HCl, Citrulline Malate, and the added benefit of Beet Root, providing superior efficacy for fitness and cardiovascular goals.
90 Performance
SuperPump Aggression Fruit Punch Fury
Gaspari Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(213 ratings)
A high-end pre-workout product with a significant 4000mg L-Citrulline dose along with other performance-enhancing ingredients, making it far more effective for muscle gain and intense fitness goals than the original product.
80 Performance
Arginine Citrulline
MNP Michael's Naturopathic Programs
4.8
★★★★★
(196 ratings)
Delivers substantially higher doses of both L-Citrulline (750mg) and L-Arginine (2250mg) per serving, plus Beet, providing a more robust impact on nitric oxide production and potentially better results for all stated goals.