Citrulline is a non-protein amino acid with the chemical formula C6H13N3O3. It is produced naturally by the body as a byproduct of the urea cycle, which is responsible for removing ammonia from the body.
The measurement of citrulline, along with 23 other amino acids, is included in the Amino Acids in Plasma and the Amino Acids in Urine tests.
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Citrulline is also found in some foods, mainly watermelon, and is sometimes used as a dietary supplement. It is marketed as a sports supplement due to its potential role in improving athletic performance and reducing muscle fatigue.
Citrulline has been studied for its potential health benefits, including cardiovascular health, erectile dysfunction, and exercise performance. It is believed to help improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide levels, and it is a vasodilator that can widen blood vessels and improve circulation.
Research has also suggested that citrulline may help improve exercise performance and reduce muscle fatigue by increasing the production of ATP, an essential energy source for muscles. It may also help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time after exercise. While more research is needed to understand the potential health benefits of citrulline fully, it is a fascinating molecule with a range of possible applications in sports nutrition, cardiovascular health, and more.
Citrulline can also serve as a biomarker in plasma and urine for various diseases and conditions.
Low levels of citrulline in plasma have been associated with poor prognosis in patients with various diseases, including liver disease, sepsis, and cancer. In liver disease, for example, low plasma citrulline levels have been associated with more severe liver damage and increased mortality.
Citrulline levels in urine have also been studied as a potential biomarker for various conditions. For example, urinary citrulline levels are decreased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, indicating that it may be helpful as a marker for disease activity and severity.
