Citrulline Overview: Citrulline is an amino acid the body gets from plant-based proteins. It plays a vital role in sports nutrition due to its collaboration with other essential elements, vitamins, and hormones.
How Citrulline Works: During intense workouts, muscles produce ammonia, causing fatigue. Citrulline, derived from the interaction of ornithine and carbamyl phosphate, helps bind excess nitrogen. This process increases urea formation, preventing the build-up of free hydrogen nitrite and combating fatigue.
Benefits of Citrulline Malate: Citrulline malate, combined with malic acid salts, contributes to the Krebs cycle, enhancing energy conversion from proteins, fats, and carbs. It aids in lactic acid salt processing, removing acids from the body, improving exercise endurance, and muscle function.
Applications and Dosage: For active athletes, a daily dose of 8 grams is recommended, split into two doses before training and bedtime. Dosages for other purposes vary based on individual factors. It's suggested to take citrulline malate on an empty stomach, 2-3 hours after eating, for optimal effectiveness.
Speed and Duration of Action: Taking citrulline on an empty stomach increases arginine levels within an hour, maintaining elevated levels for 24 hours. Positive effects on muscle mass, endurance, and activity become noticeable after a month of systematic use.
Scientific Backing: Scientific studies show citrulline malate reduces fatigue, increases weightlifters' approaches, boosts ATP production during training, and aids post-exercise recovery. It enhances overall activity and endurance compared to a control group.
Precautions: Citrulline malate is generally safe but may cause gastrointestinal issues with excessive and uncontrolled use. Contraindications include allergies, ulcerative processes in the digestive tract, renal issues, gout, autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, lactation, and age below 6 years. Caution is advised for those on a low-sodium diet.