You hit the gym hard, but recovery and endurance can lag. That’s where citrulline comes in. This amino acid boosts nitric oxide, improving blood flow and reducing fatigue. In this review, we break down the top citrulline supplements from NOW Sports and Nutricost. Whether you want a powder or tablet, pure citrulline or a blend, we’ve got you covered. For more on amino acid basics, check out our Amino Acids category.
Pros
- High-quality, GMP-certified manufacturing ensures product purity
- Convenient powder form allows flexible dosing and easy mixing
- Trusted brand with decades of experience in natural supplements
Cons
- Unflavored powder may have a slightly bitter taste for some users
- Requires mixing, which may be less convenient than capsules for on-the-go use
- Individual results may vary depending on diet and exercise routine
The NOW Sports Arginine & Citrulline Powder is a dietary supplement designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want to support muscle recovery and performance. It combines two essential amino acids in a precise 1:1 ratio to enhance protein utilization and maintain lean muscle tissue. This product is particularly suited for those engaged in regular strength training or endurance exercise.
A standout feature is the balanced ratio of arginine to citrulline, which works together to promote nitric oxide production and improve blood flow during workouts. These amino acids also play a key role in the urea cycle, helping the body detoxify ammonia produced during intense physical activity. Users can expect better endurance and reduced muscle fatigue over time.
The powder is off-white and dissolves easily in water or your favorite beverage. NOW Sports backs this product with GMP Quality Assured certification, meaning every batch is tested for stability, potency, and purity. The brand's long history since 1968 adds a layer of trust for consumers seeking reliable supplements.
One potential drawback is the unflavored taste, which some might find slightly bitter. Also, the powder format requires mixing, which may be less convenient than capsules for travel or quick use. However, it allows for flexible dosing to match individual needs.
Overall, the NOW Sports Arginine & Citrulline Powder is a solid choice for anyone looking to optimize their amino acid intake and support muscle health. Its high manufacturing standards and balanced formula make it a reliable addition to any fitness regimen. For the price, it offers excellent value compared to many competitors.
Brand: NOW Sports
Product: Arginine & Citrulline Powder, 1:1 Ratio
Size: 12 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Color: Off White
Dimensions: 3.4 x 3.45 x 6.55 Inches
Weight: 0.66 Pounds
Product Group: Drugstore
Category: L-Arginine
Pros
- Pure L-Citrulline with no added fillers or binders
- Large 600g container offers great value per serving
- Non-GMO and gluten free certification
- Manufactured in a certified facility ensuring quality and purity
- Easy to adjust dosage for individual needs
Cons
- Unflavored powder may have a tart or bitter taste for some users
- Requires mixing with liquid and may not dissolve completely
- No added ingredients for taste or mixability
The Nutricost Pure L-Citrulline (Base) Powder is a straightforward, high-quality supplement designed for those who want the benefits of L-Citrulline without any extra ingredients. This product provides 3 grams of pure L-Citrulline per serving, with 200 servings in each 600 gram bottle, making it an excellent choice for regular users.
L-Citrulline is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps increase nitric oxide production, which can improve blood flow, reduce fatigue, and enhance exercise performance. This base powder is free from malate, allowing you to combine it with other supplements or adjust your dosage precisely. It is particularly beneficial for athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone looking to support cardiovascular health or improve workout endurance.
The powder is unflavored and mixes easily with water or juice, though some users may notice a slight tartness. It is manufactured in an NSF certified, GMP compliant, and FDA registered facility, ensuring high standards of purity and safety. The product is also non-GMO and gluten free, catering to various dietary needs.
One potential drawback is that the unflavored nature may not appeal to those who prefer a flavored supplement. Additionally, the powder may require thorough stirring to avoid clumping. However, these are minor trade-offs for a pure, versatile product.
Overall, the Nutricost Pure L-Citrulline Base Powder offers excellent value and quality. With a high rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, it is a reliable choice for anyone seeking a clean, effective L-Citrulline supplement. We recommend it for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals who prioritize purity and flexibility.
Pros
- High potency (1,200 mg) ensures effective dosing without needing multiple pills.
- Supports nitric oxide production, which can enhance athletic performance and recovery.
- Trusted brand with GMP certification and a long history of manufacturing quality supplements.
- Non-GMO, kosher, and suitable for vegans (as per typical NOW Sports formulas, though not specified here, it's a common feature).
- Good value for the dosage and count, offering a 120-day supply at one tablet per day.
Cons
- Larger tablet size may be difficult for some people to swallow, especially those who prefer capsules.
- No added ingredients for taste or mixability; this is a plain supplement, so it may not be suitable for those expecting a flavored powder.
- Limited customer reviews available, so real-world feedback is sparse, though the brand's reputation is strong.
NOW Sports L-Citrulline 1200 mg Extra Strength is a high-quality amino acid supplement designed for individuals looking to boost their nitric oxide levels, enhance exercise performance, and support overall wellness. This product is ideal for athletes, bodybuilders, and active adults who want to improve blood flow, reduce fatigue, and aid in recovery. With a potent 1,200 mg dose per tablet, it provides a convenient way to meet your citrulline needs.
The standout feature of this supplement is its ability to promote nitric oxide production, which helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation. This can lead to better muscle pumps during workouts, increased endurance, and reduced muscle soreness post-exercise. Additionally, citrulline plays a role in the urea cycle, helping to remove ammonia from the body, which can reduce the feeling of fatigue during intense training sessions. It also supports a healthy immune system and the healing process, making it a versatile addition to any supplement regimen.
In terms of design and build quality, the tablets are compact and coated for easy swallowing, though some users may find them slightly large. The product is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility, ensuring high standards of quality control and purity. It comes in a sturdy, recyclable bottle that protects the tablets from moisture and damage, and the label clearly lists all ingredients and dosage instructions.
Potential drawbacks include the absence of added flavors or mixability, as this is a plain tablet that must be swallowed whole. Some users might prefer a powder form for easier consumption or mixing into shakes. Additionally, while the brand is reputable, there are currently few customer reviews for this specific product, so real-world feedback is limited. However, based on the ingredient profile and brand history, it is a reliable choice.
Overall, NOW Sports L-Citrulline 1200 mg Extra Strength delivers on its promises with a potent dose, solid ingredient profile, and trusted manufacturing. It is an excellent option for anyone seeking to improve athletic performance, support immune function, and enhance overall health. With its competitive pricing and 120-tablet supply, it offers great value for the money. I highly recommend it to fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike.
Pros
- High purity with no unnecessary additives
- Trusted GMP certification ensures lab-tested quality
- Supports both muscle energy and lean mass development
- Good value for a 2.2 lb container
- Unflavored versatility allows mixing with any drink
Cons
- Unflavored taste may not appeal to those who prefer flavored creatine
- Requires consistent loading phase for best results
- Large tub may be bulky for travel or gym bags
NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate Powder is a pure, unflavored supplement designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It provides clean muscle fuel to support energy production and lean mass growth during intense training.
The powder is GMP certified, ensuring rigorous testing for purity and potency. Users can trust that each scoop delivers consistent quality without additives or preservatives. It mixes easily in water or your favorite beverage.
The 2.2 lb tub is practical for regular use, with a screw-on lid to maintain freshness. The unflavored powder is white/cream in color and has a fine texture that dissolves quickly. NOW Foods has been a trusted brand in natural products since 1968.
Some users may find the unflavored taste bland, but it can be masked by mixing with juice or smoothies. As with any creatine, proper hydration and loading phase are recommended for optimal results. The large tub may not be convenient for travel.
Overall, NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate Powder is a reliable choice for those seeking a pure, lab-tested supplement. Its combination of quality certification, no additives, and value makes it a solid option for supporting athletic performance and muscle growth.
Color: White/Cream
Size: 2.2 Pound (Pack of 1)
Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.1 x 6.75 inches
Weight: 2.2 Pounds
Product Group: Drugstore
Binding: Health and Beauty
Pros
- Pure, unflavored powder with no unnecessary additives
- Versatile and easy to incorporate into daily routine
- Extensive certifications ensure dietary compatibility
- Rigorous quality testing for potency and stability
- Reputable brand with long-standing industry presence
Cons
- No customer reviews yet to gauge real-world experience
- Unflavored powder may have a mild bitter taste for some users
- Requires a measuring scoop or scale for accurate dosing
NOW Supplements L-Citrulline Pure Powder is a straightforward, high-purity amino acid supplement designed for those seeking to support protein metabolism and immune health. As a non-essential amino acid, L-Citrulline plays a key role in the urea cycle, helping the body eliminate ammonia a byproduct of protein breakdown. This makes it particularly useful for athletes, bodybuilders, or anyone with increased protein intake.
The standout feature of this product is its simplicity and purity. It is a vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher powder with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Each 4-ounce container provides a concentrated source of L-Citrulline that can be easily mixed into water, juice, or smoothies. The powder is white and fine, dissolving reasonably well with stirring.
NOW Foods is a well-established manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality. This product is GMP Quality Assured, meaning every aspect of production is audited, and the in-house labs are ISO/IEC accredited for stability, potency, and formulation testing. This gives users confidence in what they are consuming.
One potential drawback is the lack of customer reviews at launch, making it harder to gauge taste and mixability from other users. The unflavored powder may have a slightly bitter or chalky taste, though most users mix it with flavored beverages. Additionally, precise dosing requires a scale or scoop, as the container does not include a measuring tool.
Overall, NOW Supplements L-Citrulline Pure Powder is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a clean, versatile amino acid supplement backed by rigorous quality standards. It delivers on its promises of supporting protein metabolism and immune function without unnecessary additives.
Brand: NOW Supplements
Product: L-Citrulline Pure Powder
Size: 4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Color: White
Dimensions: 2.25 x 2.25 x 4.38 inches
Weight: 0.25 pounds
Product Group: Drugstore
Binding: Health and Beauty
Buying Guide
Form: Powder vs. Tablets
Citrulline comes as a powder or tablet. Powders mix easily into drinks and allow flexible dosing. Tablets are convenient for travel but may require several pills per serving. The NOW Sports L-Citrulline 1,200 mg Extra Strength tablets offer a potent dose in a compact form. For more on supplement forms, read our best amino acid supplement on amazon guide.
Purity and Additives
Look for supplements with minimal additives. Nutricost Pure L-Citrulline Base powder contains no malate or fillers. NOW Sports products are verified for purity through GMP certification. Avoid blends if you want precise control over your intake.
Brand Reputation and Quality Assurance
NOW has been a trusted name since 1968. Their products undergo rigorous third-party verification. Nutricost also manufactures in NSF-certified facilities. Both brands prioritize quality. For more on trusted brands, see our naked BCAA powder review.
Serving Size and Dosage
Effective doses range from 3 to 6 grams per day. The NOW Sports Arginine & Citrulline Powder provides a 1:1 ratio, ideal for synergy. Nutricost offers 3 grams per scoop in a 600-gram container, giving you 200 servings. Adjust based on your goals.
Final Thoughts
After comparing these top citrulline supplements, we recommend NOW Sports, Arginine & Citrulline Powder for those who want a balanced blend that supports both nitric oxide and ammonia detoxification. For a pure, unadulterated option, choose Nutricost Pure L-Citrulline (Base), it’s perfect for precise dosing and stacks well with other supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is citrulline good for?Citrulline boosts nitric oxide production, improving blood flow, reducing fatigue, and enhancing exercise performance. It also helps remove ammonia from the body, aiding recovery.
Is NOW Sports citrulline powder effective?Yes, NOW Sports products are verified for purity and potency. Their citrulline powders and tablets have high ratings and are trusted by athletes. For more on effective supplements, see our best all in one amino acid supplements roundup.
How much citrulline should I take per day?Most studies use 3 to 6 grams per day. Start with a lower dose and adjust based on tolerance. The Nutricost Pure L-Citrulline powder offers 3 grams per scoop, making it easy to measure.
Can I stack citrulline with other supplements?Absolutely. Citrulline pairs well with creatine, beta-alanine, and BCAAs. Many athletes combine it with creatine for enhanced performance. The NOW Sports Creatine Monohydrate Powder is a great companion.
