The Claim

Oral supplementation with 1 gram of L-citrulline and 1 gram of L-arginine combined increases plasma L-arginine levels more effectively than 2 grams of either amino acid alone in healthy Japanese males aged 20–49, as demonstrated by a 25% higher area under the curve (AUC0–1h) and peak concentration at 1 hour post-ingestion.

Source: The effects on plasma L-arginine levels of combined oral L-citrulline and L-arginine supplementation in healthy males

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
69score
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 healthy Japanese men aged 20–49, taking 1 gram of L-citrulline and 1 gram of L-arginine together raises plasma L-arginine levels more than taking 2 grams of either amino acid separately, with a 25% higher area under the curve and higher peak concentration at one hour after ingestion.

See the scientific wording

Oral supplementation with 1 gram of L-citrulline and 1 gram of L-arginine combined increases plasma L-arginine levels more effectively than 2 grams of either amino acid alone in healthy Japanese males aged 20–49, as demonstrated by a 25% higher area under the curve (AUC0–1h) and peak concentration at 1 hour post-ingestion in a randomized controlled trial of 42 participants.

Why this might work

When L-citrulline is taken by mouth, it enters the bloodstream without being broken down quickly. It blocks an enzyme that normally destroys L-arginine, so more L-arginine from the supplement stays in the blood. This lets L-arginine levels rise higher and last longer than when taking L-arginine alone.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: The effects on plasma L-arginine levels of combined oral L-citrulline and L-arginine supplementation in healthy males

    Taking 1 gram of L-citrulline and 1 gram of L-arginine together boosts blood levels of L-arginine better than taking 2 grams of just one of them, and this study shows that’s true.

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.