Skip to content
Ingredient Science

L-Citrulline: The Amino Acid Active People Already Know

By SodaSteel Editorial DeskPublished August 10, 2026Updated October 29, 20265 min read

It started with a watermelon and ended up in gym bags everywhere. Here is the story of L-Citrulline.

Quick answerL-Citrulline is an amino acid first identified in watermelon, and the body also makes it naturally. It is a familiar name in sports nutrition aisles. SodaSteel lists L-Citrulline as one of its six named ingredients in a daily chewable gummy.

Of the six ingredients named on the SodaSteel label, L-Citrulline might be the one you have seen before. It turns up in sports nutrition aisles, in pre-workout talk at the gym and in plenty of fitness forums. Let us look at what it actually is and why active people recognize the name.

An amino acid with a juicy origin

Amino acids are small molecules that link together to build proteins. Some come from the food you eat, and some your body makes by itself. L-Citrulline belongs to the second group, and it is also found in certain foods. Its name comes from Citrullus, the Latin word for watermelon, because researchers first isolated it from that fruit in the 1930s.

Today, watermelon is still the food most closely linked with citrulline, and you will also find it in other members of the gourd family such as cucumbers and squash. On the SodaSteel label it is listed as an amino acid.

Why active people recognize it

If you spend time around lifters, runners or cyclists, you have likely heard the name. It is a common ingredient in sports supplements, and athletes often talk about it when they discuss training routines. That familiarity is the main reason it is such a recognizable name compared with plant ingredients that come from other parts of the world.

As with many ingredients, research on the topic keeps developing. You can explore published work through PubMed, and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements maintains a library of resources on supplement ingredients.

Where food and supplements meet

You can build a plate that supports your training and still use a supplement for convenience. Here is a simple picture:

  • Food first: watermelon slices after a summer run, cucumber in a salad, squash on the side.
  • Protein foundation: eggs, lean meats, dairy and beans. Our post on protein at every meal has easy ideas.
  • Daily habit: a gummy that gathers several ingredients into one routine.

The USDA has a searchable resource hub and MyPlate offers a handy guide to building balanced meals if you want to dive in.

How L-Citrulline fits into SodaSteel

SodaSteel blends L-Citrulline with Tongkat Ali (root extract), Ashwagandha (herb), Zinc (mineral), Maca Root (root) and Tribulus Terrestris (plant). Together they sit behind three label statements: "Supports Stamina*", "Maintain Healthy Muscle*" and "Maintain Energy*". The brand describes the product as a daily gummy to support stamina, help maintain healthy muscle and help maintain everyday energy.

The full Supplement Facts panel is printed on the bottle label, and customer support can share details on amounts. For the bigger picture of how the pieces come together, browse how SodaSteel works.

Why a gummy suits an amino acid

Many sports amino acids are sold as powders that need mixing, and some tastes take getting used to. A chewable gummy removes the shaker and the scoop. It is also stimulant-free, which keeps your mornings calm. If you are comparing formats, our guide to gummies, capsules and powders lays out the pros and cons of each.

A training day with a daily gummy

Here is how a typical active day might line up:

  1. Morning: chew 2 SodaSteel gummies, drink water, eat breakfast.
  2. Midday: a protein-rich lunch and a short walk.
  3. Afternoon or evening: your workout, such as the plan in a simple three-day strength week.
  4. Night: wind down and protect your sleep.

That kind of rhythm is what the product is designed to fit into: simple, repeatable and easy to keep up.

It is also fun to know that you can taste the story. The next time you slice a watermelon after a weekend run or a long day of yard work, you are eating the food that gave this amino acid its name. Food and supplements are not rivals. They work side by side, and a varied plate with a simple daily gummy is a practical, enjoyable way to build a routine around your active life.

Many men also like having a single bottle that covers several ingredients at once. Rather than stocking a powder for the amino acid, another tub for the minerals and a jar of herbs, one two-gummy habit gathers them together. Fewer products means fewer things to remember, and that is a real advantage on busy weeks when the basics matter most.

Take the next step

L-Citrulline is a familiar amino acid with a juicy origin story, and it earns a spot in the SodaSteel lineup alongside five other named ingredients. If you like the idea of a daily gummy built around those six, visit the official order page. Each kit includes a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Quick FAQ

What is L-Citrulline?

L-Citrulline is an amino acid first found in watermelon. The body also makes it naturally, and it is a familiar name in sports nutrition.

Is L-Citrulline in SodaSteel?

Yes. The label lists L-Citrulline (amino acid) among its six named ingredients.

Keep reading

The brand's checkout page shows the current price and terms for SodaSteel.

← All 20 Journal articles

SodaSteel™ from $49 a bottle60-day money-back guarantee
Order Now