What is an amino acid
The amino acids are the primary structural units of the proteins, the rings that put in sequence form the protein chain.
When we talk about Citrullinealso indicated as L-Citrullina, we refer to an amino acid isolated for the first time in watermelon, whose Latin name is “Citrullus”.
Once summarized in the body, the citrulline is involved in different metabolic pathways, in particular in the urea cycle through which ammonia – a toxic substance – is transformed into urea which can be easily eliminated by the organism with the urine.
Difference between Arginine and L-Citrullina
Citrullina is a precursor of another amino acid: arginine.
The latter when assumed by mouth undergoes an intense metabolism at the liver and intestinal level from which a reduction in absorption and a compromise of effectiveness derives.
Instead administering the Precursor of ArginineL-Citrullina, a better bio-instruction of the substance is guaranteed, determining the body greater quantities of arginine in the body (since there is a lot of availability of its precursor).
In other words, if instead of administering L-Citrullina it was decided to integrate with only arginine, a significantly greater quantity of substance would be needed to achieve the same results.
Action mechanisms
Arginine is essential for the production of nitric oxide which, with its vasodilating function, improves blood flow by promoting oxygen intake inside the body.
When we practice aerobic exercises, the skeletal muscle requires oxygen to create energy and greater production of nitric acid ensures quantities such as to improve its aerobic capacity.
This mechanism allows those who sport to approach their limits and face higher intensity.
Integrating with the Citrullina rather than directly with arginine or nitric oxide is of greater help as the citrulline has a longer emany, that is, it circulates for prolonged periods in the body and is more effective to increase the level of arginine.
The L-Citrullina increases the serum concentrations of arginine-and consequently nitric oxide-in a dose dependent way. We can consider the L-Citrulline for help for the body to eliminate toxic substances through urine.
Muscle action
The increase in the concentrations of arginine deriving from the administration of L-Citrulline and the consequent increase in nitric oxide supports the body in a process that already sets itself in motion of course.
In fact, when blood pressure increases excessively, the body responds with the nitric oxide synthesisthe presence of nitric oxide increases vasodiaraltation and a greater intake of oxygenated blood (nourishment) in the muscles which as a consequence leads to generating more physical force and in the most mass time.
The L-Citrullina promotes the increase in metabolic pacesupports the body in better managing the interactions of the different active phases that coexist during sporting activity, for example the absorption of foods or other activities in progress by the body, in correspondence with a muscle effort.
During the muscle heating period, the correct functioning of the processes that produce nitric oxide will contribute to an optimization of exercise. While during the rest phase muscle recovery and recovery from psycho-physical stress will be favored.
Citrulline and hypertension
It is known as a vasodilator agent with a natural anti-hypertensive activities.
Many studies have shown how nitric oxide production can be supported by the adequate presence of arginine.
However, the integration with arginine, due to the numerous metabolic processes to which this amino acid meets following its intake, as previously exposed, does not seem to determine a significant increase in the concentrations of this molecule.
According to recent studies, the use of citrulline could exercise aantihypertensive actionacting on this street. The ingestion of citrulline, in experimental models and in some clinical trials, would determine an increase in the plasma concentrations of arginine and an increased activity of an endothelial enzyme responsible for the synthesis of nitric oxide. The final result would determine a reduction in pressure values.
The integration of L-Citrulline for patients with mild/moderate erectile dysfunction
A study of a few years ago published in the National Library of Medicine had the aim of testing the effectiveness and safety of the integration of L-Citrullina in improving the validity of the erection in patients with erectile dysfunction.
By studying 24 patients with an average age of 56.5 years (± 9.8) it has come to the conclusion that the integration of L-Citrullina proved to be safe and well accepted psychologically from patients.
The effectiveness is lower than the classics drugs used for erectile dysfunction (ES Tadalafil, Sildenafil) But the idea of not using classic drugs and being able to take a supplement purchased directly by the patient may have contributed to psychological acceptance, together with the absence of side effects.
Its role as an alternative treatment for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction deserves further research but at the moment the results and experience of those who hired this supplement would be encouraging.
At the moment there are food supplements on the market containing the Citrullina and other commonly used aphrodisiacs (as detectable by the Arcapharma website).
How to use Citrullina
The dose of citrulline most used in the various studies, both athletic and clinical, is that of 3 grams daily, even if higher dosages have been used in some works.
However, the indication of a suggested dose is not sufficient to identify one optimal dosewhich can vary from person to person according to the characteristics of the subject.
The adequate hiring of L-Citrulline is well tolerated. The consumption of this amino acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding through correct diet is safe. Instead, it is good to avoid taking supplements based on this substance since any effects due to a higher quantity consumption of citrulline are not yet known.
Please note that the information reported so far is general and does not replace the medical opinion in any way. For a healthy and balanced diet it is always good to rely on the common sense and advice of your doctor or a nutrition expert.
Bibliography
- L Citrulline Aviction: Impact On Cardiometabol Health. ALTERTON ET AL, 2018
- Effect of Citrulline on Post-Exercise Rating of Perceived Exertion, Muscle Soreness and Blood Lactate Levels. Rhim et at 2020
- Oral L Citrulline Adjustation Improves Erection Hardness in Men with Mild Erectile Dysfunction. Cormio et al, 2011
