L-Arginine and L-Citrulline as
Vitamins vs. Nutraceuticals
Are They Vitamins?
No, L-Arginine and L-Citrulline are not vitamins.
Vitamins are essential micronutrients required in small amounts that the body either cannot produce or produces insufficiently.
L-Arginine and L-Citrulline are amino acids, which serve as building blocks for proteins and play roles in physiological functions like nitric oxide (NO) production, circulation, and muscle metabolism.
L-Arginine: Precursor to nitric oxide, helps with vasodilation, circulation, and immune function.
L-Citrulline: Converts to arginine in the body, supporting longer-lasting NO production, reducing muscle fatigue, and enhancing athletic performance.
What is Ginseng?
- Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb, not a vitamin or mineral.
- It contains active compounds called ginsenosides, which have been studied for their potential benefits on energy, cognitive function, and immune support.
- Common types include Asian (Panax) ginseng and American ginseng.
How is it Classified?
- Herbal Supplement: Often used in traditional medicine for its potential stress-reducing and energy-boosting effects.
- Nutraceutical: It provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition, but it is not classified as a vitamin.
Why Sublingual
Sublingual delivery of L-Arginine, L-Citrulline, and ginseng is more bioavailable than traditional capsules, liquids, and gels because it bypasses the digestive system and allows for direct absorption into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes on the roof of your mouth.
Here’s why this is beneficial
Avoids First-Pass Metabolism
When taken orally (capsules, liquids, gels), these compounds pass through the stomach and liver before entering the bloodstream. The liver breaks down a significant portion, reducing bioavailability.
Sublingual absorption skips this step, allowing for higher concentrations to reach circulation.
Faster Absorption
The oral mucosa has a rich capillary network, meaning nutrients absorbed sublingually reach the bloodstream within minutes rather than having to endure the slower digestive process.
Reduced Breakdown by Stomach Acid
The stomach’s acidic environment can degrade certain compounds before they even reach the intestines for absorption.
L-Arginine, in particular, is prone to degradation in the gut, whereas sublingual delivery protects it.
Better Utilization of Nitric Oxide Precursors
L-Arginine and L-Citrulline are precursors to nitric oxide (NO), which plays a crucial role in blood flow and cardiovascular health.
Sublingual absorption provides a more immediate increase in NO levels compared to capsules that take time to digest and metabolize.
Improved Efficacy of Herbal Extracts (Ginseng)
Ginsenosides, the active compounds in ginseng, have poor water solubility and can be inefficiently absorbed through digestion.
Sublingual absorption enhances their bioavailability by allowing direct bloodstream entry, improving their adaptogenic and energy-boosting effects.
Conclusion
Sublingual delivery is a superior method for L-Arginine, L-Citrulline, and ginseng, offering faster onset, higher bioavailability, and more efficient absorption compared to traditional oral supplements.