L-arginine and l-citrulline are two amino acids that can provide various health benefits. Find out why you need l-arginine and l-citrulline.
While there are various supplements with potential therapeutic uses, l-arginine and l-citrulline stand out by working together. L-citrulline (or simply citrulline) is a precursor to l-arginine (or arginine) as it converts into the latter once inside the body.
As a result, citrulline works to increase the levels of arginine in the body. Moreover, as a precursor to arginine, citrulline can help with the same conditions that arginine can.
What is L-arginine?
Arginine is an amino acid that increases the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and increases circulation. Since it’s a semi-essential amino acid, the body can typically produce sufficient amounts except under certain conditions (injuries, stress, medical conditions, etc.).
Some good food sources of arginine include meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, nuts, and chocolate. According to New York University Langone Medical Center, doses of 2 to 8 grams per day are generally effective.
What Are Some Benefits of Arginine?
L-arginine is used both as an at-home supplement and in hospital settings due to its ability to provide several health benefits. Its most common use is for blood-vessel-dilating effects, which can help with various heart-health conditions.
For example, l-arginine can be used to help with high blood pressure (hypertension), chest pain, and coronary heart disease. In addition, it may be used to help with erectile dysfunction (ED), male infertility, and overall circulation.
What is L-citrulline?
Citrulline is a nonessential amino acid because the body can make it from other nutrients. For instance, the body can synthesize citrulline from another amino acid called glutamine.
As a result, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience a citrulline deficiency, but supplements have been used to enhance sports performance. You can usually find it in the form of citrulline malate and the dosage usually ranges from 6 to 18 grams per day.
What Are Some Benefits of Citrulline?
According to NYU Langone Medical Center, companies usually promote citrulline as an aerobic complement to creatine, helping with exercise performance. However, more research is necessary to confirm the effects of citrulline on aerobic exercise.
Nevertheless, l-citrulline may still help with exercise. For instance, it may help reduce muscle fatigue, boost protein synthesis, increase nitric oxide, and promote growth hormone levels.
The Outlook
Since l-citrulline results in more l-arginine, getting a supplement that includes both amino acids can help boost your levels. As a result, you’ll be able to enhance your nitric oxide production, circulation, oxygen and nutrient delivery, and more.
One effective supplement that contains both of these amino acids is Circulation Boost. Its ingredients are effective at promoting circulation, energy levels, nutrient and oxygen delivery, and more. If you’re ready to support your heart health and fitness, then it’s time to try Circulation Boost.