L-arginine and L-citrulline are two amino acids that have potential
therapeutic uses. A relationship between the two exists in that
L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine once inside the body.
Therefore, L-citrulline is sometimes supplemented to increase levels of
L-arginine. Being a precursor to L-arginine, L-citrulline can
potentially be used as a treatment for the same conditions as
L-arginine, in addition to being used as a sports supplement.wisepoqder L(+)-Arginine powder
Arginine Background
L-arginine works primarily through increasing nitric oxide levels in
the blood. Higher nitric oxide levels relax and dilate blood vessels,
thus increasing blood circulation to various organs, including the
heart, skin and sexual organs. L-arginine is a conditionally essential
amino acid, meaning the body can normally manufacture a sufficient
supply, although times of stress or injury can deplete the body's
supply. Many foods, including meat, dairy products, fish, poultry, nuts,
and chocolate, are good sources of L-arginine. Doses of 2 to 8 grams
per day are typically used, although higher amounts can be used for
certain conditions, according to New York University Lang one Medical
Center.
Arginine Benefits
Benefits of L-arginine include its ability to treat and prevent a
number of conditions. Most commonly, L-arginine is used for its
blood-vessel-dilating effects, which can be effective in improving a
number of heart-related conditions. High blood pressure, chest pain, and
coronary heart disease have been treated with L-arginine, according to
Medline Plus. L-arginine is also used to treat male infertility and
erectile dysfunction. Benefits of taking L-arginine for healthy people
include its potential to improve circulation and stimulate the release
of growth hormone.
Citrulline Background
L-citrulline is a nonessential amino acid, which means the body can
synthesize it from other nutrients. Glutamine is an amino acid that can
be used to manufacture L-citrulline. Although L-citrulline deficiencies
are unlikely to occur, citrulline supplements have been promoted for
some uses, most notably enhancing sports performance. Dosage for
citrulline typically ranges between 6 and 18 grams per day, and it is
often sold in the form of citrulline malate.
Citrulline Benefits
NYU Langone Medical Center notes that supplement companies often
promote L-citrulline as an aerobic complement (a supplement that
improves aerobic performance) to creatine -- a supplement used to
enhance anaerobic exercise performance. There is a lack of scientific
evidence that L-citrulline can enhance aerobic exercise, however. Still,
L-citrulline may be useful in some capacities with regard to exercise.
Has given L-citrulline a "C" rating, meaning single-blind, double-blind
or multiple cohort studies support L-citrulline for increasing protein
synthesis (muscle building), reducing muscle soreness and fatigue,
enhancing immunity and increasing nitric oxide and growth hormone
levels.
