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L-citrulline Calories
Amino acid supplement
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 teaspoon (small) of L-citrulline (3 g) has 12 calories. That works out to 400 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 3 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
L-citrulline Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 teaspoon (small) · 3 g
12
KCAL / 3G
Carbs
0g
· 0% DV
Protein
3g
· 6% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 100% · Fat 0%
L-citrulline nutrition facts table · 1 teaspoon (small) (3 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 12 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 3 g | 6% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Small Teaspoon of L-citrulline?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 3 g | 12 kcal |
| 1 slice (thin) | 1 g | 4 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (medium) | 5 g | 20 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 6 g | 24 kcal |
| 1 pack (mini) | 6 g | 24 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 8 g | 32 kcal |
| 1 pack (small) | 8 g | 32 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (small) | 9 g | 36 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 15 g | 60 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 400 kcal |
Calculated from 400 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About L-citrulline
What is L-citrulline used for?
L-citrulline is an amino acid supplement used to support nitric oxide production and blood flow. People often take it for exercise performance, although research results are mixed and it is not a guaranteed way to improve strength or endurance.
How much L-citrulline should you take?
There is no single dose of L-citrulline that suits everyone. Some products list a small teaspoon as roughly 3 g per serving, but formulations differ, so follow the serving instructions for your specific product.
Should you take L-citrulline before a workout?
Yes, many people take L-citrulline before exercise, commonly around 30–60 minutes beforehand. This timing is intended to support blood flow during training, but the effect on performance is not guaranteed.
What is the difference between L-citrulline and L-arginine?
L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine in the body, while L-arginine is the amino acid used directly to make nitric oxide. Taking L-citrulline can raise arginine levels, but neither supplement guarantees a noticeable performance benefit.
What are the side effects of L-citrulline?
L-citrulline can cause stomach discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea in some people. Taking more than the product’s suggested serving may make digestive symptoms more likely; stop taking it if you develop concerning symptoms.
Does L-citrulline improve the muscle pump?
L-citrulline may support blood flow, which could make a muscle pump feel more noticeable during training. The effect varies, and a stronger pump does not necessarily mean greater muscle growth.
Can L-citrulline help with erectile dysfunction?
L-citrulline may support blood flow, but it is not an established treatment for erectile dysfunction. Persistent erection problems can have underlying health causes, so do not rely on this supplement instead of medical evaluation.
Does watermelon contain L-citrulline?
Yes, watermelon naturally contains L-citrulline, especially in the white rind beneath the flesh. A supplement provides a concentrated form, so eating watermelon is not equivalent to taking a particular supplement serving.
Can you take L-citrulline with creatine?
Yes, L-citrulline and creatine can generally be taken during the same training period; they serve different purposes and are not known to directly interfere with one another. Combining them does not guarantee better results.
Can L-citrulline interact with blood pressure medication?
Yes, L-citrulline may lower blood pressure and could add to the effect of blood-pressure medicines or nitrate drugs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you take either type of medication.
L-citrulline Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin A
0µg · 0% DV
B1
0mg · 0% DV
B2
0mg · 0% DV
B3
0mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Calcium
0mg · 0% DV
Iron
0mg · 0% DV
Magnesium
0mg · 0% DV
Zinc
0mg · 0% DV
Sodium
0mg · 0% DV
Potassium ⭐
0mg · 0% DV
L-citrulline Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off L-citrulline
To burn the 12 calories in 1 teaspoon (small) (3 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is L-citrulline?
L-citrulline is an amino acid found naturally in the body and in foods such as watermelon. As a supplement, it is commonly sold as a powder or in capsules; powdered versions are usually stirred into water or another drink.
Its taste can be mildly tart, though flavoured products are also available. In many countries, people who work out choose to take it around training; follow the product label for serving guidance rather than assuming all products are alike. Nutritionally, it is a concentrated amino acid supplement, with no carbohydrate or fat listed. Mixing it with plain water keeps the drink simple, while adding it to a sweetened beverage will change the overall nutrition.
How Nutritious Is L-citrulline?
Satiety score
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is L-citrulline Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does L-citrulline Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is L-citrulline Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
L-citrulline Fat Profile
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.