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| L-Citruline |
L-Citrulline / Citrulline is an amino acid that supports the body in
optimizing blood flow through its conversion to L-arginine and then
nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is involved in vasodilatation, and low
levels are associated with mental and physical fatigue and sexual
dysfunction.
Citrulline, which is considered a non-essential
amino acid synthesized in the intestinal tract from Glutamine,
converts to Arginine in the endothelial cells. This biochemical
process involves L-Aspartate and the enzymes Argininosuccinate
Synthetase and Argininosuccinate Lyase, in the presence of ATP.
Arginine is important for Nitric Oxide production for cardiovascular
health; however, most Arginine is utilized in the liver and kidneys,
and only a fraction is available for this purpose. Since Citrulline
is a precursor to Arginine, it allows for increased and sustained
Nitric Oxide production in the endothelium for support of circulatory
function.
Oral Citrulline supplementation provides a readily
available source of Citrulline for this purpose, and some recent
research further indicates that Citrulline may be the preferred
source of cellular Arginine. In addition Citrulline also increases
energy, stimulates the immune system, and is essential for Urea Cycle
function as well. |
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Why Do People Use L-Citrulline? |
L Citrulline, like arginine, is an important amino acid since it can
convert into nitric oxide. Glutamine is a precursor of ornithine,
which can be converted to citrulline by the intestine; citrulline is
transformed in the kidneys to arginine. Hepatic citrulline uptake
limits the amount of gut-derived citrulline reaching the kidney.
Citrulline is found in watermelon rind and less so in watermelon
flesh, but I doubt consuming watermelon rind or eating watermelon
fruit will have any significant sexual enhancing effect. |
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