The Claim

In late-pregnant Yili mares, daily supplementation with 30 grams of L-citrulline improves the apparent digestibility of crude protein and fiber (NDF and ADF), increases the nitrogen metabolism rate by 19.97%, enhances plasma antioxidant capacity by increasing superoxide dismutase activity by 10.90%, and reduces malondialdehyde concentration by 11.53%.

Source: The Effects of L-Citrulline on the Apparent Digestion and Metabolism of Nutrients, Blood Hormone Levels, Amino Acid Metabolism and the Diversity of Faecal Microbiota in Mares in the Later Stage of Pregnancy

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
19score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In late-pregnant Yili mares, daily intake of 30 grams of L-citrulline increases the efficiency of protein and fiber digestion, raises the rate of nitrogen metabolism by 19.97%, boosts superoxide dismutase activity by 10.90%, and lowers malondialdehyde levels by 11.53%.

See the scientific wording

In late-pregnant Yili mares, daily supplementation with 30 grams of L-citrulline significantly improves the apparent digestibility of crude protein and fiber (NDF and ADF), increases nitrogen metabolism rate by 19.97%, and enhances plasma antioxidant capacity by raising superoxide dismutase activity by 10.90% while reducing malondialdehyde by 11.53%, indicating improved nutrient utilization and reduced oxidative stress during a metabolically demanding physiological state.

Why this might work

L-citrulline is absorbed and turned into arginine, which makes nitric oxide that opens blood vessels and reduces cell damage. At the same time, it feeds beneficial gut bacteria that break down fiber and recycle nitrogen, making more energy and protein usable. Together, this boosts nutrient absorption, clears toxic ammonia, and strengthens the body’s ability to neutralize harmful molecules.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: The Effects of L-Citrulline on the Apparent Digestion and Metabolism of Nutrients, Blood Hormone Levels, Amino Acid Metabolism and the Diversity of Faecal Microbiota in Mares in the Later Stage of Pregnancy

    Giving pregnant mares 30 grams of L-citrulline daily helped them digest food better, reduced cellular damage from stress, and improved how their bodies used nutrients—exactly what the claim says.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.