L-Citrulline and SodaFil™

What it is

L-citrulline is an amino acid that your body makes and also gets from food. The kidneys can turn it into arginine, which is why the two often appear together. SodaFil lists it twice: as L-citrulline HCl and as L-citrulline malate. HCl means the citrulline is joined with hydrochloride, and malate means it is joined with malic acid, the acid found in apples.

Where it comes from

The name comes from the Latin word for watermelon, the fruit where the amino acid was first found. Supplement makers produce citrulline in a lab and join it with HCl or malate so it forms a steady, easy-to-handle powder.

Why it is in SodaFil

SodaFil is described with both citrulline forms next to the two arginine forms.* The serving directions and amounts are on the Supplement Facts panel printed on your SodaFil bottle. L-Citrulline HCl and Malate: What the Two Forms Mean explains each name.

Worth knowing

• Found in watermelon and made in the body
• Can be turned into arginine
• HCl and malate are two forms
• Amounts and serving are on your bottle label

Easy ways to explore it

• Read the citrulline guide
• Slice a watermelon and look at the pale rind, where citrulline is most plentiful
• Compare with L-arginine, the amino acid it can become

Keeps company with

L-citrulline goes well with these guides:

Public sources

• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary supplements, what you need to know
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Exercise and athletic performance

Common questions