L-citrulline is a substance called a non-essential amino acid. Your kidneys change L-citrulline into another amino acid called L-arginine and a chemical called nitric oxide.
These compounds are important to your heart and blood vessel health. They may also boost your immune system.
Benefits:
L-citrulline boosts nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide helps your arteries relax and work better, which improves blood flow throughout your body. This may be helpful for treating or preventing some diseases.
There is some evidence to suggest the supplement could possibly help lower blood pressure in people with elevated blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure raises your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. Definitions for blood pressure levels are:
- Normal blood pressure: less than 120 over less than 80(<120/<80)
- Elevated: 120-129 over less than 80 (120-129/<80)
- Hypertension stage 1: 130-139 or 80-89
- Hypertension stage 2: greater than 140 or greater than 90 (≥140 or ≥90).
L-citrulline supplements may ease symptoms of mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction (ED). Scientists say L-citrulline does not work as well as ED drugs such as Viagra. However, it appears to be a safe option.
Animal studies suggest L-citrulline might also help people with blood vessel problems such as slow wound healing due to diabetes.