The key difference between L citrulline and citrulline malate is that L citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, whereas citrulline malate is a derivative of citrulline formed from the combination of citrulline and malic acid.
L citrulline and citrulline malate come in the form of supplements. We can use these substances to treat some mild to moderate disorders.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is L Citrulline
3. What is Citrulline Malate
4. L Citrulline vs Citrulline Malate in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is L Citrulline
L citrulline is a non-essential amino acid having the chemical formula C6H13N3O3. It is the L isomer of citrulline. Kidneys can convert L citrulline into L arginine (another amino acid) and to nitric oxide, which are important compounds for our heart and blood vessels. Moreover, these conversion products can boost our immune system.
People take L citrulline as a medication mainly because of its ability to boost nitric oxide production in our bodies. Nitric oxide can cause the relaxation of our arteries and make them work better. This, in turn, improves the blood flow throughout our body and helps in the prevention of certain diseases.
Moreover, if we take L citrulline as a supplement, it can help to lower the blood pressure in patients having high blood pressure. This is important in preventing heart disease. In addition, supplements containing L citrulline can ease the symptoms of mild or moderate erectile dysfunction and appears to be a safe option.
There are some natural sources of L citrulline, such as watermelon. In a commercial scale, we can find it in supplements, and they are available as a powder. The dose of L citrulline that we need to take depends upon the disease for which we are taking the supplement. However, it may not work efficiently if we are taking nitrates for heart disease and erectile dysfunction drugs such as Cialis, Viagra, etc.
What is Citrulline Malate?
Citrulline malate is a derivative of citrulline amino acid. This compound is formed when citrulline is chemically bound to a malate anion. Malate anion is the conjugate base of malic acid. Therefore. Citrulline malate is an organic salt of malic acid. Malic acid is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle. However, there are insufficient data and research studies to compare L citrulline with citrulline malate.
When considering the supplements that come with citrulline malate, we need to keep in mind that 1 gram of citrulline is quantitatively equal to 1.76 grams of citrulline malate.
What is the Difference Between L Citrulline and Citrulline Malate?
L citrulline and citrulline malate come in the form of supplements. We can use these substances to treat some mild to moderate disorders, as well. The key difference between L citrulline and citrulline malate is that L citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, whereas citrulline malate is a derivative of citrulline formed from the combination of citrulline and malic acid. L citrulline has the ability to boost the nitric oxide production in our body, which can cause the relaxation of our arteries and make them work better, whereas citrulline malate is important in promoting vasodilation, widening of blood vessels, etc.
Below is a summary of the difference between L citrulline and citrulline malate in tabular form.
Summary – L Citrulline vs Citrulline Malate
L citrulline and citrulline malate come in the form of supplements. We can use these substances to treat some mild to moderate disorders as well. The key difference between L citrulline and citrulline malate is that L citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, whereas citrulline malate is a derivative of citrulline formed from the combination of citrulline and malic acid.
Reference:
1. Miller, Kelli. “L-Citrulline: Uses and Risks.” WebMD.
Image Courtesy:
1. “L-Citrulline zwitterion ball from xtal” By Jynto – Own workCrystallographic data from B. Sridhar, N. Srinivasan, B. Dalhus and R. K. Rajaram (2002). "L-Citrullinium perchlorate". Acta Cryst. E58, o1177-o1179. DOI:10.1107/S160053680201766XThis image was created with Discovery Studio Visualizer. (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
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