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Citrulline is a type of amino acid that your body can naturally make. Its name comes from the Latin word for watermelon, a fruit that's rich in this compound. Citrulline has several important roles in your body. It helps get rid of harmful substances like ammonia through a process called the urea cycle. It also helps make nitric oxide, a molecule that allows your blood vessels to widen, which improves blood flow throughout your body. Additionally, citrulline plays a part in making proteins and may help with muscle endurance.
If Your Levels Are High
Elevated citrulline levels might mean that your body is working extra hard to remove harmful substances like ammonia, possibly due to consuming more protein or an imbalance in your body's natural detox processes. Some medications or supplements, especially those containing arginine or citrulline, could also cause higher levels. Increased citrulline could also indicate that your body is making more nitric oxide, which helps widen blood vessels and improve blood flow, possibly in response to physical stress or inflammation. Additionally, your body might be producing more citrulline to support protein building and muscle endurance, especially if you're involved in intense physical activities.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of Citrulline may not be easily noticeable, as they can be quite subtle. However, some individuals might experience gastrointestinal discomfort or changes in blood pressure due to the increased production of nitric oxide.
If Your Levels are Low
Low citrulline levels might mean that your body isn't making enough of this amino acid, which could be due to reasons like not eating the right foods, feeling stressed, or taking certain medications that affect its production. It could also point to a problem with the urea cycle, which is how your body gets rid of harmful substances like ammonia. Low citrulline might also mean that there's less nitric oxide being made, which is important for keeping blood flowing smoothly. Finally, it could suggest that your body isn't making proteins as well as it should, which might affect your muscles' ability to keep going during exercise.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of Citrulline may include fatigue, weakness, poor exercise performance, and potentially, issues with blood flow.
The Metabolomix+ combines a variety of tests to analyze key nutritional biomarkers, including organic acids, amino acids, and oxidative stress markers. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.
NutrEval® Plasma by Genova Diagnostics
Whole Blood
Urine
Serum
Plasma
The NutrEval® Plasma evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 2 years of age.
NutrEval® FMV by Genova Diagnostics
Whole Blood
Urine
Serum
The NutrEval® FMV evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.
OMX™ Organic Metabolomics - Urine/Plasma by Diagnostic Solutions
Urine
Plasma
The OMX™ Organic Metabolomics test uses a systems-biology approach to evaluate urine and plasma metabolites, including organic acids, amino acids, and other key compounds, and reveal a patient's unique Metabolic Signature.
OMX™ Organic Metabolomics - Urine/Urine by Diagnostic Solutions
Urine
The OMX™ Organic Metabolomics test uses a systems-biology approach to evaluate urine metabolites, including organic acids, amino acids, and other key compounds, and reveal a patient's unique Metabolic Signature.