L-Citrulline and L-Arginine

L-citrulline and l-arginine are two types of amino acids. The amino acid citrulline was first isolated from the rind of watermelon and is considered as a non-essential amino acid, as it can be synthesized by the human body and so, need not be obtained from the diet. The amino acid, citrulline is manufactured in the intestine from another amino acid, known as 'glutamine'.

The amino acid, arginine on the other hand, is regarded as a conditionally nonessential amino acid. This is because, our body can usually synthesize enough arginine, but at times it can become necessary to take arginine containing foods and supplements to maintain the level of this amino acid in the body.

L-Citrulline and L-Arginine Benefits

They have more or less similar benefits for human health due to the fact that l-citrulline is ultimately converted into l-arginine and then nitric oxide. The amino acid l-arginine too acts a precursor of nitric oxide, and many of the health benefits of arginine can be attributed to its importance in nitric oxide production. Basically, both of them increase the level of nitric oxide in the body, which in turn can provide a number of health benefits.

Nowadays, nitric oxide supplements are widely popular among body builders, as these supplements are believed to help build muscles. However, this is not the only benefit of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide can help to relax the blood vessels, which can improve their functioning and promote blood flow. Blood vessels relaxation, also known as vasodilation can prove helpful in conditions like, chest pain or angina, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. In other words, both amino acids can boost the health of the heart and the cardiovascular system by increasing the availability of nitric oxide in the body.

L-citrulline, as well as l-arginine can help in conditions like, erectile dysfunction. This arginine and citrulline benefit can also be explained by the fact that these two amino acids increase the production of nitric oxide in the body, which in turn improve the blood flow to the penis. They also help to overcome stress, physical and mental fatigue, detoxify the liver, help the kidneys to eliminate ammonia and other waste materials from the body, improve the immune functions, maintain the level of nitrogen in the body, regulate the secretion of human growth hormone and speed up the process of recovery after surgery.

L-Citrulline and L-Arginine Supplements

It is true that our body can produce both two amino acids and hence, their supplementation is usually not required. But in certain situations, it can become necessary to take the supplements of these two amino acids. As for example, conditions like, protein deficiency or protein malnutrition, excessive production of ammonia, disorder of urea synthesis, sepsis, and infections can necessitate the intake of l-arginine supplements.

Moreover, most of the l-arginine produced by the body is used by the liver and the kidneys, leaving only a small portion for other functions. Supplements of arginine and citrulline can help to maintain the level of nitric oxide in the body, and assists the other functions, for which these two amino acids are required. The l-arginine l-citrulline supplements usually do not have any serious side effects. Too much of arginine can however, lower blood pressure and also increase stomach acids to worsen problems like, heartburn and digestive problems. L-arginine supplements are not to be used after a heart attack.

So, care must be taken while taking these supplements. Apart from supplements, several foods can also provide sufficient amount of these amino acids. Citrulline can be mainly found in the rind of watermelon, as well as in cucumbers, cantaloupe and milk. On the other hand, dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, soy beans, oats, nuts and wheat are some of the arginine rich foods. But, if you are considering to take the amino acid supplements of arginine and citrulline, then talk to your physician to find out more about the benefits and side effects of citrulline and arginine supplements and their appropriate dosage.