Citrulline

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Citrulline

Citrulline (pronounced sit-ruh-leen) is an amino acid that is produced naturally in the body. It is also found in some foods and is available as a dietary supplement.

Etymology

The term "Citrulline" is derived from the Latin word citrullus, which means watermelon. This is because watermelon is a rich source of this amino acid.

Function

Citrulline plays a key role in the urea cycle, which is the process in which the body eliminates toxic ammonia from the body. It is also involved in the production of nitric oxide, a compound that expands blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Sources

Citrulline is found in several foods, including watermelon, cucumbers, and pumpkins. It can also be produced in the body from other amino acids, such as arginine and ornithine.

Health Benefits

Citrulline has several potential health benefits. It may help improve exercise performance, reduce muscle soreness, and improve heart health. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Related Terms

  • Amino Acid: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are necessary for a number of vital functions in the body.
  • Urea Cycle: The urea cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that produce urea from ammonia. This process helps to eliminate excess nitrogen from the body.
  • Nitric Oxide: Nitric oxide is a compound that is produced in the body. It plays a key role in many physiological processes, including the regulation of blood flow and the transmission of nerve signals.

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