L-citrulline is an amino acid that occurs naturally in organisms, but does not belong to the standard set of amino acids incorporated into proteins. Its name refers to the Latin name of watermelon, Citrullus, because this compound is associated with research on this fruit. Watermelon remains one of the best-known food sources of citrulline.
Amino acid and its name origin
The name citrulline is related to the Latin name of watermelon, with which the history of its isolation is related. The presence of a compound in food does not mean that every supplement raw material is a fruit extract. On the labels you can find free L-citrulline and composite materials whose mass has a different basis. Comparison requires separating the name of the amino acid from the name of the entire raw material used and indicating the amount in the same portion.
Meaning and application
In biochemistry, citrulline participates in the urea cycle and arginine-related transformations. Interest in these processes meant that it also appeared in the recipes of supplements for active people. Free L-citrulline and citrulline malate are available commercially. The second name includes a connection with malic acid, so the mass of such a raw material does not automatically mean the same amount of citrulline. The proportions of ingredients and the way portions are declared are more important than the mere number of milligrams on the front of the package.
In practice
Citrulline and arginine are related to changes in the body, but they are not the same molecule. The description of these relationships clarifies the interest in the amino acid, but does not mean that each additional dose will give any expected result. In malate, the declared proportion of ingredients is important. The sample proportion is information about the material, not a number determining the effectiveness of the product. Do not compare the weight of the mixture with the amount of free citrulline without checking the basis for the declaration. Similarly, the name watermelon in the relationship story does not mean that the powder in the package is simply a dried fruit. The most useful are the exact form of the raw material and the amount of amino acid in the recommended portion.