{"id":11417628,"date":"2026-10-13T16:08:45","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T13:08:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/l-citrulline\/"},"modified":"2026-10-13T16:13:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T13:13:13","slug":"l-citrulline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/","title":{"rendered":"L-Citrulline: What Is It, Its Benefits and Dose? 6 Facts About the Amino Acid That Becomes Arginine"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#L-Citrulline_The_Amino_Acid_First_Found_in_Watermelon\" >L-Citrulline: The Amino Acid First Found in Watermelon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#1_What_Is_L-Citrulline\" >1. What Is L-Citrulline?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#2_How_Does_It_Work\" >2. How Does It Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#3_What_Does_Research_Show_for_Exercise\" >3. What Does Research Show for Exercise?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#4_L-Citrulline_or_Citrulline_Malate\" >4. L-Citrulline or Citrulline Malate?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#5_Other_Uses\" >5. Other Uses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#6_Safety_and_Precautions\" >6. Safety and Precautions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#Natural_Sources_of_L-Citrulline\" >Natural Sources of L-Citrulline<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#L-Citrulline_With_Arginine\" >L-Citrulline With Arginine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#How_to_Take_L-Citrulline\" >How to Take L-Citrulline<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#L-Citrulline_FAQ\" >L-Citrulline FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#When_should_I_take_L-citrulline\" >When should I take L-citrulline?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#Is_L-citrulline_a_stimulant\" >Is L-citrulline a stimulant?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#Does_it_cause_insomnia\" >Does it cause insomnia?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#Does_it_really_raise_nitric_oxide\" >Does it really raise nitric oxide?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#Can_women_take_L-citrulline\" >Can women take L-citrulline?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-citrulline\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"top\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"L-Citrulline_The_Amino_Acid_First_Found_in_Watermelon\"><\/span>L-Citrulline: The Amino Acid First Found in Watermelon<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>L-citrulline<\/strong> has become one of the best-known ingredients in pre-workout supplements, often described as better than arginine itself at boosting nitric oxide. What is it, and what does the research actually show? This article answers in 6 short facts.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_Is_L-Citrulline\"><\/span>1. What Is L-Citrulline?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body makes its own, mostly in the gut. Its name comes from watermelon \u2013 Citrullus in Latin \u2013 where it was first identified, and the white rind is one of the richest sources. Unlike most amino acids, citrulline is not used directly to build proteins.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_How_Does_It_Work\"><\/span>2. How Does It Work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The kidneys convert citrulline into arginine, which the body uses to make nitric oxide, a molecule that helps blood vessels relax. Interestingly, oral L-citrulline can raise blood arginine more efficiently than arginine itself, because it is not broken down as heavily in the gut and liver. See <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/arginine-vs-citrulline\/\">arginine vs citrulline<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_What_Does_Research_Show_for_Exercise\"><\/span>3. What Does Research Show for Exercise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some studies found that 6 to 8 g of citrulline malate taken about an hour before training increased repetitions in resistance exercise and reduced fatigue in some athletes. Results are not consistent across studies, though, and any benefit tends to be modest \u2013 training, nutrition and sleep still matter most.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_L-Citrulline_or_Citrulline_Malate\"><\/span>4. L-Citrulline or Citrulline Malate?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>L-citrulline:<\/strong> pure citrulline; studies typically used 3 to 6 g a day.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Citrulline malate:<\/strong> citrulline bound to malic acid; 8 g provides roughly 4 to 5 g of citrulline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When comparing products, look at the actual amount of citrulline, not just the weight of the compound.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Other_Uses\"><\/span>5. Other Uses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Small studies have looked at 1.5 g of L-citrulline daily in men with mild erectile dysfunction and found improvement in some. The research is limited, citrulline is not a treatment for ED, and the issue deserves a medical assessment because it can signal heart disease or diabetes.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Safety_and_Precautions\"><\/span>6. Safety and Precautions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Most healthy people tolerate it well; it can cause mild stomach upset.<\/li>\n<li>It may lower blood pressure slightly, so people on blood pressure medicines should check with their doctor.<\/li>\n<li>Do not combine it with nitrates or ED medicines without advice.<\/li>\n<li>For adults; pregnant and breastfeeding women should ask a doctor first.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Natural_Sources_of_L-Citrulline\"><\/span>Natural Sources of L-Citrulline<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Watermelon is the best-known source, especially the white part near the rind, with smaller amounts in cucumber, pumpkin and melon. Food amounts are far below study doses, which is why athletes use supplements.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"L-Citrulline_With_Arginine\"><\/span>L-Citrulline With Arginine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some products pair citrulline with arginine, supplying arginine both directly and through citrulline. One example is <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/arginine-and-citrulline-now-sports\/\">NOW Arginine and Citrulline<\/a>, with 500 mg of arginine and 250 mg of citrulline per capsule. For more on arginine, read <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-arginine-benefits\/\">L-arginine benefits<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/l-arginine-dosage\/\">L-arginine dosage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Take_L-Citrulline\"><\/span>How to Take L-Citrulline<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For exercise, studies usually gave a single dose about an hour before training, while daily use spreads the dose across the day. Take it with water, with or without food, and start at the lower end of the range to see how your stomach responds. Taking L-citrulline consistently for several weeks gives a fairer picture than a single dose.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"L-Citrulline_FAQ\"><\/span>L-Citrulline FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_I_take_L-citrulline\"><\/span>When should I take L-citrulline?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In exercise studies it was usually taken about an hour before training.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_L-citrulline_a_stimulant\"><\/span>Is L-citrulline a stimulant?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. It contains no caffeine and does not stimulate the nervous system.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_it_cause_insomnia\"><\/span>Does it cause insomnia?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not known to \u2013 unlike pre-workouts that contain caffeine.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_it_really_raise_nitric_oxide\"><\/span>Does it really raise nitric oxide?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It raises arginine, from which nitric oxide is made \u2013 read <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/nitric-oxide-supplements\/\">nitric oxide supplements<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_women_take_L-citrulline\"><\/span>Can women take L-citrulline?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, adult women can use it the same way, though pregnant and breastfeeding women should ask a doctor first.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>L-citrulline is an amino acid that converts efficiently into arginine, with encouraging but inconclusive research on exercise performance. Mind the difference between L-citrulline and citrulline malate, and talk to your doctor if you take blood pressure medicines. You can find <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/arginine-and-citrulline-now-sports\/\">NOW Arginine and Citrulline<\/a> at No Style Like pharmacy.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.95em; color: #555; margin-top: 18px;\">This article was reviewed by the No Style Like pharmacy content team. It is for general awareness only. Arginine and citrulline are dietary supplements, not medicines intended to diagnose or treat any disease, and this article does not replace medical advice.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.95em; color: #555;\">Do not exceed the dose on the label without advice. Ask your doctor before use if you take blood pressure medicines, nitrates, heart medicines or erectile dysfunction medicines. For more information see <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/natural\/875.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">the MedlinePlus L-arginine page<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>L-citrulline: what this amino acid is, how it turns into arginine, what research shows for exercise performance, L-citrulline vs citrulline malate, and common doses.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":86,"featured_media":11417626,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42204],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11417628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dietary-supplements"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11417628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/86"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11417628"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11417628\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11417643,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11417628\/revisions\/11417643"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11417626"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11417628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11417628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11417628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}