Andrew Huberman on Citrulline
4 episodes · 5 references · 2021–2023
- Huberman discusses citrulline primarily as a vasodilation tool that converts to arginine more effectively than taking arginine directly - He warns about significant side effects including cold sores/canker sores and blood pressure reduction - No evidence of personal consumption, no specific dosing guidance, and no best-practice recommendations discussed
Benefits
- Citrulline acts as a biological prerequisite for arginine, producing even bigger arginine increases than supplementing arginine directly - Primary mechanism is vasodilation — opening blood vessels to increase blood flow to muscles during resistance exercise - Part of a broader vasodilation stack culture alongside beet juice and arginine for workout performance
Cautions
- Citrulline can cause severe cold sores and canker sores in some individuals, a well-documented side effect Huberman describes as "vicious" - As a vasodilator, citrulline lowers blood pressure, which may be dangerous for those with already low blood pressure - Not everyone tolerates citrulline well — individual response varies significantly
“That's mainly going to be due to effects of those compounds on vasodilation. It's going to open up the vasculature and allow more blood flow.”
Science of Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
“L-citrulline acts as sort of a donor or it's kind of a biological prerequisite for arginine and can lead to even bigger arginine increases than you would get if you took arginine itself.”
How to Control Your Metabolism by Thyroid & Growth Hormone
“There's a culture now of taking arginine, things that support arginine, so beet juice and L-citrulline, things to dilate the blood vessels... for sake of increasing blood flow to the muscles during resistance exercise.”
Using Temperature for Performance, Brain & Body Health | Dr. Craig Heller