Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can naturally produce it. It’s named after the Latin word for watermelon, “Citrullus”, which is a rich natural source of this amino acid. Citrulline plays a crucial role in the urea cycle, where it helps to detoxify and eliminate ammonia from the body. It’s also recognized for its ability to boost nitric oxide production, which can improve blood flow and cardiovascular health. Moreover, citrulline may enhance exercise performance by reducing fatigue and improving endurance for both aerobic and anaerobic prolonged exercise. While it is available through certain foods and can be synthesized by the body, citrulline is also commonly taken as a dietary supplement, particularly in the form of citrulline malate, which combines citrulline with a compound called malate that’s important for energy production.