The main difference between citrulline malate and L-citrulline is that L-citrulline malate is a standalone amino acid, whereas citrulline malate is a combination of L- citrulline and malic acid, which is a compound found in fruits.
Citrulline malate and L-citrulline are both forms of the amino acid citrulline but differ in their chemical composition and physiological effects.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Citrulline Malate
– Definition, Nature, Use
2. What is L-Citrulline
– Definition, Nature, Use
3. Similarities Between Citrulline Malate and L-Citrulline
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Citrulline Malate and L-Citrulline
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Citrulline Malate, L-Citrulline
What is Citrulline Malate
Citrulline malate is a compound that combines the amino acid citrulline and the organic salt malate. Chemically, citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, while malate is an organic salt derived from malic acid. The typical ratio of citrulline to malate in citrulline malate supplements is 1:1 or 2:1. This combination of citrulline and malate creates a substance commonly used in sports nutrition and bodybuilding. Citrulline malate is believed to have several potential benefits for athletes and exercise enthusiasts. It is also a popular dietary supplement.
Uses of Citrulline Malate
One of the primary reasons for using citrulline malate as a dietary supplement is its potential to enhance athletic performance. Citrulline plays a role in the urea cycle, which helps remove ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism. By reducing ammonia buildup, citrulline malate may help delay the onset of fatigue and improve endurance during high-intensity exercises. It may also aid in the recovery process by reducing muscle soreness and promoting the removal of metabolic waste products.
Citrulline malate also increases nitric oxide (NO) production in the body. Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles. Enhanced blood flow can result in increased nutrient and oxygen uptake by the muscles, leading to improved exercise performance and recovery.
Moreover, malate plays a role in the Krebs cycle (the citric acid cycle or TCA cycle) within the body’s energy production system. By supporting the Krebs cycle, citrulline malate may help enhance energy production and reduce fatigue during physical activity.
In addition, citrulline malate has been suggested to positively impact muscle protein synthesis, the process by which the body builds and repairs muscle tissue. Increased muscle protein synthesis can contribute to muscle growth, recovery, and overall muscle health. By promoting protein synthesis, citrulline malate may aid muscle repair and reduce muscle damage caused by intense exercise.
What is L-Citrulline
L-Citruline, an amino acid found naturally in various foods and produced by the body, has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits. L-Citrulline is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it is not used directly in protein synthesis but plays a vital role in various metabolic pathways. It is a precursor to arginine, another amino acid, which is further converted into nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels, improves blood flow, and regulates cardiovascular function. L-Citrulline also participates in the urea cycle, a metabolic pathway that removes toxic ammonia from the body. Moreover, L-Citrulline supports the production of other important compounds, such as polyamines and proline, which are involved in cell growth, tissue repair, and collagen synthesis.
L-Citrulline is found naturally in certain foods, making it accessible through dietary sources. Watermelon is an excellent source, containing high levels of L-Citrulline in its rind and flesh. Other fruits, including cucumbers, cantaloupes, and pumpkins, also contain varying amounts of L-Citrulline. Legumes such as chickpeas and peanuts, as well as certain vegetables like onions and garlic, provide additional dietary sources of this amino acid. Incorporating these foods into a balanced diet can increase the body’s L-Citrulline levels.
Similarities Between Citrulline Malate and L-Citrulline
- Citrulline malate and L-citrulline contain citrulline as their active ingredient.
- Both citrulline malate and L-citrulline contribute to the synthesis of nitric oxide in the body.
- They have been studied for their potential to enhance physical performance and reduce fatigue.
Difference Between Citrulline Malate and L-Citrulline
Definition
L-citrulline is a free form of citrulline, meaning it is the pure amino acid itself, whereas citrulline malate is a combination of L- citrulline and malic acid, a compound found in fruits.
Nature
Citrulline malate is a compound consisting of citrulline and malic acid, a substance involved in the energy production cycle in the body. On the other hand, L-citrulline is the pure form of citrulline without adding malic acid or any other compound.
Use
Citrulline malate is often used in pre-workout supplements due to its potential synergy with malic acid, which may enhance energy production and reduce fatigue during exercise. On the other hand, L-citrulline is frequently used as a standalone supplement or an ingredient in various formulations targeting cardiovascular health, muscle recovery, and general well-being.
Taste
Citrulline malate may have a sour taste as it contains malic acid, while L-citrulline typically has a neutral taste.
Conclusion
In brief, the main difference between citrulline malate and L-citrulline is that L-citrulline malate is a standalone amino acid, whereas citrulline malate is a combination of L- citrulline and malic acid.
Reference:
1. “What Is Citrulline?” HealthEssentials. Cleaveland Clinic.
2. “What Is Citrulline Malate? | Benefits, Dosages & Side Effects.” MyProtein.
Image Courtesy:
1. “L-Citrullin2” By NEUROtiker – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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