L-Citrulline 850 mg Pharmaceutical Grade
Swanson
L-Citrulline 850 mg Pharmaceutical Grade
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(492 ratings)
Citrulline 850 mg
Score 55.0
A pharmaceutical-grade L-Citrulline product at 850mg per capsule, which is a very low dose for its stated goals, making it impractical and expensive to use effectively for performance or cardiovascular support.
Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Veggie Capsule(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Fitness
Muscle Gain
Cardiovascular Support
leaderboard Score 55.0
A pharmaceutical-grade L-Citrulline product at 850mg per capsule, which is a very low dose for its stated goals, making it impractical and expensive to use effectively for performance or cardiovascular support.
insights Analysis
This L-Citrulline product from Swanson boasts a 'Pharmaceutical Grade' designation, which implies a high standard of purity and quality control, a positive aspect for consumer confidence. It comes in a convenient capsule form, providing 850mg of L-Citrulline per serving. However, the recommended daily dosage for L-Citrulline to achieve meaningful ergogenic or cardiovascular effects typically ranges from 6 to 8 grams. To reach this effective threshold, a user would need to consume approximately 7 to 10 capsules per day. This makes the product highly inconvenient and significantly increases the actual cost per effective dose, as a single 60-count bottle would only last about 6-8 days when dosed effectively. Online reviews generally praise Swanson for quality, but the dosage limitation is a critical factor for efficacy.
- Labeled as 'Pharmaceutical Grade,' suggesting high purity and quality.
- Convenient capsule form for ease of consumption for small supplemental doses.
- Significantly underdosed per capsule (850mg) relative to the clinically effective dose (6-8 grams), making it inefficient for performance or cardiovascular benefits.
- Achieving an effective daily dose requires taking many capsules, quickly depleting the supply and escalating the true cost per effective serving compared to higher-dose alternatives.
- Users should be aware that the single-capsule serving size is not sufficient to produce noticeable effects for the stated goals of fitness, muscle gain, or cardiovascular support, requiring a much higher daily intake.
$23.39($0.38 per serving)
 Amazon | $ 0.00 | |
 iHerb | $ 23.39 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Citrulline is often associated with improved exercise performance, particularly in resistance training and endurance activities. It may help reduce muscle fatigue and enhance nitric oxide production, contributing to better blood flow.
Yes, Citrulline is a precursor to L-arginine, which is then converted into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow throughout the body.
Citrulline helps the body produce nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. This enhanced circulation can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to muscles during exercise, potentially aiding performance and recovery.
L-Citrulline is the pure amino acid, while Citrulline Malate is L-Citrulline bound to malic acid. Some studies suggest Citrulline Malate might have additional benefits for energy production due to malate's role in the Krebs cycle, but both forms increase plasma L-arginine levels.
Some research suggests that Citrulline supplementation may help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after intense exercise. This effect is thought to be related to its role in enhancing blood flow and waste product removal.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
To maximize pre-workout benefits, it is generally recommended to take Citrulline approximately 30-60 minutes before your exercise session. This timing allows for optimal absorption and elevated blood levels during your workout. Consistent daily intake may also contribute to sustained benefits.
For athletic performance, common dosages of L-Citrulline typically range from 3 to 6 grams per day. This amount is generally taken to support nitric oxide production and enhance exercise capacity. It's important to consult specific product labels for tailored recommendations.
Citrulline Malate is usually dosed higher than pure L-Citrulline, typically 6 to 8 grams. This accounts for the malic acid component, ensuring a sufficient amount of L-Citrulline is delivered. The specific ratio (e.g., 2:1 or 1:1 citrulline to malate) can influence the exact dose required.
For consistent benefits in performance and cardiovascular health, many individuals choose to take Citrulline daily, including rest days. However, it can also be taken solely on workout days, typically before exercise. The optimal approach may depend on individual goals and product recommendations.
The main forms are L-Citrulline and Citrulline Malate. L-Citrulline is the pure amino acid, while Citrulline Malate is L-Citrulline combined with malic acid. Due to the added malic acid, Citrulline Malate dosages (e.g., 6-8g) are typically higher than pure L-Citrulline dosages (e.g., 3-6g) to deliver an equivalent amount of active citrulline.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, Citrulline can act as a vasodilator, potentially lowering blood pressure. Individuals taking medications for high blood pressure, such as nitrates or ACE inhibitors, should consult a healthcare professional before using Citrulline. Combining them could lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure.
Citrulline is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. Mild side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, indigestion, or diarrhea, especially at higher intakes. These effects are typically transient and can often be mitigated by taking Citrulline with food.
Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, severe kidney disease, or low blood pressure should exercise caution. People taking nitrate medications for heart conditions or those with a history of heart attacks should avoid Citrulline without medical supervision. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements.
Citrulline may enhance the effects of medications used for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil or tadalafil, due to its vasodilating properties. This combination could potentially lead to a significant drop in blood pressure. It is advisable to discuss this with a healthcare provider before concurrent use.
Taking excessively high doses of Citrulline may increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues like severe stomach upset, diarrhea, or bloating. It could also lead to a notable drop in blood pressure, especially in sensitive individuals. Adhering to recommended dosages is important to avoid these effects.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
L-Citrulline | 850 mg |
Categories
Citrulline 60.0
Within the 'Citrulline' collection, this product offers good purity as 'Pharmaceutical Grade'. However, its relatively low 850mg dosage per capsule places it at a disadvantage compared to many other standalone L-Citrulline supplements, particularly powders or higher-concentration capsules (e.g., 2000mg+), which provide a more economical and practical way to achieve an effective daily dose of Citrulline for its benefits.
Goals
While L-Citrulline contributes to nitric oxide production for vascular health, 850mg is a minimal dose for significant cardiovascular benefits like blood pressure modulation or improved circulation. Clinical studies supporting cardiovascular improvements typically utilize dosages in the multi-gram range, making this dose largely symbolic for this goal.
Fitness 40.0
The 850mg dosage of L-Citrulline per capsule is substantially below the research-backed 6-8 gram intake required to significantly enhance exercise performance, reduce fatigue, or improve muscle pumps during workouts. Users aiming for tangible fitness benefits would find this product impractical due to the large number of capsules needed.
Muscle Gain 40.0
For muscle gain, L-Citrulline aids through improved blood flow and nutrient delivery, which indirectly supports hypertrophy. However, the 850mg dose is too low to exert a meaningful physiological impact on these mechanisms, rendering it largely ineffective for direct muscle gain support at the recommended serving size.
Recommended Alternatives
92 Value 
L-Citrulline 1000 mg
Nutricost
4.5
★★★★★
(327 ratings)
Offers a higher dosage of L-Citrulline per capsule (1000mg) at a significantly lower price per serving, providing excellent cost-effectiveness for pure L-Citrulline supplementation.
97 Value 
L-Citrulline 2000 mg
AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
4.4
★★★★★
(1246 ratings)
Delivers a substantially higher L-Citrulline dose (2000mg) at a much more favorable price per serving, making it highly cost-effective for achieving optimal benefits for fitness and cardiovascular health.
88 Value 
L-Arginine + L-Citrulline 750 mg
Nutricost
4.7
★★★★★
(1239 ratings)
Provides a synergistic blend of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline for comprehensive nitric oxide support at an exceptionally low price per serving, representing great overall value for dual-action benefits.
98 Performance 
SuperPump Aggression Fruit Punch Fury
Gaspari Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(213 ratings)
Offers a significantly higher and clinically relevant dose of L-Citrulline (4000mg) as part of a comprehensive pre-workout formula, designed for more pronounced muscle gain, pump, and performance benefits than a standalone lower-dose product.
95 Performance
L-Citrulline 2000 mg
AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
4.4
★★★★★
(1246 ratings)
Provides more than double the L-Citrulline per serving (2000mg vs 850mg) in a pure, higher concentration form, which is closer to research-backed dosages for cardiovascular and muscle gain support.
90 Performance 
Beet Root RED
Irwin Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(184 ratings)
Delivers a higher dose of L-Citrulline (1500mg) along with synergistic nitric oxide boosting ingredients like Beet Root and Pomegranate extract, offering enhanced benefits for cardiovascular support and blood flow.
85 Budget
L-Arginine + L-Citrulline 750 mg
Nutricost
4.7
★★★★★
(1239 ratings)
Offers a combined L-Arginine and L-Citrulline formula at a significantly lower cost per serving compared to the original, making it a highly budget-friendly option for nitric oxide support.
80 Budget 
Arginine & Citrulline 500 mg / 250 mg
NOW Sports
4.7
★★★★★
(4240 ratings)
Provides both L-Arginine and L-Citrulline in a convenient capsule form at a much lower price point per serving, offering good value for basic nitric oxide enhancement.
90 Budget
L-Citrulline 1000 mg
Nutricost
4.5
★★★★★
(327 ratings)
Delivers a higher dose of pure L-Citrulline (1000mg vs 850mg) at a considerably lower price per serving, making it more cost-effective for pure Citrulline intake.
92 Value
L-Citrulline 1000 mg
Nutricost
4.5
★★★★★
(327 ratings)
Offers a higher dosage of L-Citrulline per capsule (1000mg) at a significantly lower price per serving, providing excellent cost-effectiveness for pure L-Citrulline supplementation.
97 Value
L-Citrulline 2000 mg
AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
4.4
★★★★★
(1246 ratings)
Delivers a substantially higher L-Citrulline dose (2000mg) at a much more favorable price per serving, making it highly cost-effective for achieving optimal benefits for fitness and cardiovascular health.
88 Value
L-Arginine + L-Citrulline 750 mg
Nutricost
4.7
★★★★★
(1239 ratings)
Provides a synergistic blend of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline for comprehensive nitric oxide support at an exceptionally low price per serving, representing great overall value for dual-action benefits.
98 Performance
SuperPump Aggression Fruit Punch Fury
Gaspari Nutrition
4.7
★★★★★
(213 ratings)
Offers a significantly higher and clinically relevant dose of L-Citrulline (4000mg) as part of a comprehensive pre-workout formula, designed for more pronounced muscle gain, pump, and performance benefits than a standalone lower-dose product.
95 Performance
L-Citrulline 2000 mg
AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
4.4
★★★★★
(1246 ratings)
Provides more than double the L-Citrulline per serving (2000mg vs 850mg) in a pure, higher concentration form, which is closer to research-backed dosages for cardiovascular and muscle gain support.
90 Performance
Beet Root RED
Irwin Naturals
4.6
★★★★★
(184 ratings)
Delivers a higher dose of L-Citrulline (1500mg) along with synergistic nitric oxide boosting ingredients like Beet Root and Pomegranate extract, offering enhanced benefits for cardiovascular support and blood flow.