L-Citrulline 500 mg
California Gold Nutrition
L-Citrulline 500 mg
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(3260 ratings)
Citrulline 500 mg
Score 50.0
An L-Citrulline product offering 500mg per capsule at a very low price, but its extremely low dosage makes it impractical and inefficient for achieving clinically effective levels for its stated goals.
Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Fitness
Muscle Gain
Cardiovascular Support
leaderboard Score 50.0
An L-Citrulline product offering 500mg per capsule at a very low price, but its extremely low dosage makes it impractical and inefficient for achieving clinically effective levels for its stated goals.
insights Analysis
California Gold Nutrition's L-Citrulline product provides 500mg of L-Citrulline per capsule and is notable for its very low price per serving and a substantial number of positive reviews, indicating strong customer satisfaction with the brand's value and general quality. Despite its affordability per capsule, the critical drawback is the extremely low dosage. For L-Citrulline to be effective for performance or cardiovascular support, dosages of 6-8 grams are widely recommended. This means a user would need to take 12 to 16 capsules daily, which is cumbersome and would deplete the 60-count bottle within a mere 3-5 days. While inexpensive at face value, the actual cost to achieve an effective dose becomes quite high.
- Very affordable price per individual capsule/serving, making it seem budget-friendly.
- Backed by a high number of positive reviews, indicating good brand reputation and customer satisfaction for general supplementation.
- Extremely low L-Citrulline concentration (500mg) per capsule, rendering it largely ineffective for the stated goals at the recommended serving size.
- Reaching a clinically effective dose requires consuming an impractical number of capsules daily, significantly increasing the actual cost and inconvenience.
- The listed serving size is far below the amount required for beneficial physiological effects in fitness, muscle gain, or cardiovascular support. Users should anticipate needing to take many capsules daily to achieve results.
$6.87($0.11 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 6.87 | |
 Amazon | $ 7.90 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Citrulline is often associated with improved exercise performance, particularly in resistance training and endurance activities. It may help reduce muscle fatigue and enhance nitric oxide production, contributing to better blood flow.
Yes, Citrulline is a precursor to L-arginine, which is then converted into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow throughout the body.
Citrulline helps the body produce nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. This enhanced circulation can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to muscles during exercise, potentially aiding performance and recovery.
L-Citrulline is the pure amino acid, while Citrulline Malate is L-Citrulline bound to malic acid. Some studies suggest Citrulline Malate might have additional benefits for energy production due to malate's role in the Krebs cycle, but both forms increase plasma L-arginine levels.
Some research suggests that Citrulline supplementation may help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after intense exercise. This effect is thought to be related to its role in enhancing blood flow and waste product removal.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
To maximize pre-workout benefits, it is generally recommended to take Citrulline approximately 30-60 minutes before your exercise session. This timing allows for optimal absorption and elevated blood levels during your workout. Consistent daily intake may also contribute to sustained benefits.
For athletic performance, common dosages of L-Citrulline typically range from 3 to 6 grams per day. This amount is generally taken to support nitric oxide production and enhance exercise capacity. It's important to consult specific product labels for tailored recommendations.
Citrulline Malate is usually dosed higher than pure L-Citrulline, typically 6 to 8 grams. This accounts for the malic acid component, ensuring a sufficient amount of L-Citrulline is delivered. The specific ratio (e.g., 2:1 or 1:1 citrulline to malate) can influence the exact dose required.
For consistent benefits in performance and cardiovascular health, many individuals choose to take Citrulline daily, including rest days. However, it can also be taken solely on workout days, typically before exercise. The optimal approach may depend on individual goals and product recommendations.
The main forms are L-Citrulline and Citrulline Malate. L-Citrulline is the pure amino acid, while Citrulline Malate is L-Citrulline combined with malic acid. Due to the added malic acid, Citrulline Malate dosages (e.g., 6-8g) are typically higher than pure L-Citrulline dosages (e.g., 3-6g) to deliver an equivalent amount of active citrulline.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, Citrulline can act as a vasodilator, potentially lowering blood pressure. Individuals taking medications for high blood pressure, such as nitrates or ACE inhibitors, should consult a healthcare professional before using Citrulline. Combining them could lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure.
Citrulline is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. Mild side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, indigestion, or diarrhea, especially at higher intakes. These effects are typically transient and can often be mitigated by taking Citrulline with food.
Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, severe kidney disease, or low blood pressure should exercise caution. People taking nitrate medications for heart conditions or those with a history of heart attacks should avoid Citrulline without medical supervision. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements.
Citrulline may enhance the effects of medications used for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil or tadalafil, due to its vasodilating properties. This combination could potentially lead to a significant drop in blood pressure. It is advisable to discuss this with a healthcare provider before concurrent use.
Taking excessively high doses of Citrulline may increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues like severe stomach upset, diarrhea, or bloating. It could also lead to a notable drop in blood pressure, especially in sensitive individuals. Adhering to recommended dosages is important to avoid these effects.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| L-Citrulline | 500 mg |
Categories
Citrulline 55.0
Within the 'Citrulline' product category, this product offers an appealing price point per capsule, but its extremely low 500mg L-Citrulline content makes it one of the least efficient choices for users aiming for a functionally effective dose. While it might be suitable for minor, supplemental intake, it is significantly outmatched by higher-potency capsule and bulk powder Citrulline options in terms of cost-effectiveness for a full dose.
Goals
While L-Citrulline boosts nitric oxide for cardiovascular health, 500mg is too low a dose to elicit significant improvements in blood flow, blood pressure regulation, or endothelial function. Individuals seeking genuine cardiovascular benefits would need to consume a very large quantity of these capsules daily to reach an effective therapeutic dosage.
Fitness 35.0
At only 500mg per capsule, this product delivers an insignificant amount of L-Citrulline for enhancing athletic performance, muscular endurance, or promoting a 'pump' during workouts. Scientific consensus supports much higher dosages (6-8 grams) for ergogenic benefits, making this product impractical for serious fitness goals.
Muscle Gain 35.0
L-Citrulline's role in muscle gain is through improved blood flow and nutrient delivery, but a 500mg dose is insufficient to produce any notable impact on these processes. It would not contribute meaningfully to muscle protein synthesis or recovery, requiring an exceedingly large and impractical number of capsules for any effect.
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