Citrulline, Biomarker of Enterocyte Functional Mass and Dietary Supplement. Metabolism, Transport, and Current Evidence for Clinical Use

L-Citrulline is a non-essential but still important amino acid that released from enterocytes. Because plasma levels are reduced in case of impaired intestinal function, it has become biomarker to monitor integrity. Moreover, oxidative stress induces protein citrullination, and antibodies against anti-citrullinated proteins useful rheumatoid diseases. Citrullinated histones, however, may even predict worse outcome cancer patients. Supplementation citrulline better tolerated compared arginine might be slightly improve muscle strength or balance. The following article shall provide an overview L-citrulline properties functions, as well the current evidence for its use therapeutic supplement.