Wholesome in bulk™ L-Citrulline Powder, Free Form Amino Acid
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Bulk L-Citrulline Powder for Supplement Manufacturing
L-citrulline is a free form amino acid powder made by microbial fermentation and purified by crystallization. It contains no malic acid, so the assay on the COA is the citrulline content itself. We supply it in bulk to supplement brands, contract manufacturers, and formulators. You can request lot documents and samples on the quote form.
A single amino acid with a clear specification
L-citrulline is easy to specify. It is one named compound with a CAS number, a USP dietary supplement monograph, and standard tests for identity and purity. That makes lot to lot comparison simple for buyers and quality teams.
One named compound
L-citrulline has the formula C6H13N3O3 and a molecular weight of 175.19. It is sold without a salt partner, so a 99% assay means about 99% of the powder is citrulline.
A USP monograph to work from
USP-NF includes a Citrulline monograph in its dietary supplement section. It gives you and your supplier a shared reference for assay and related compounds by HPLC.
Optical identity you can check
Specific rotation confirms the L-form. Published specifications call for about +24.5° to +26.5°, and a racemic DL material would read near zero.
White powder that dissolves clear
Good lots are white and crystalline. Spec sheets include a state of solution test that calls for a clear, colorless solution in water.
Fermentation source
Commercial L-citrulline is made by microbial fermentation, then purified by crystallization and dried. Published specs from fermentation makers state no animal derived raw materials.
Simple label math
One gram of free form powder at a 99% assay holds about 0.99 g of citrulline. The same gram of citrulline malate holds about 0.50 to 0.72 g, depending on the ratio.
Where formulators use L-citrulline powder
Free form L-citrulline fits measured formats where fill weight and serving size are controlled, including:
- Capsules
- Compressed tablets
- Single ingredient powders
- Sports nutrition powders
- Powdered drink mixes
- Stick packs and sachets
- Functional beverages, after stability trials
- Private label programs
Plan fill weights from the confirmed assay on each COA. L-citrulline and citrulline malate are not interchangeable gram for gram, so recalculate your serving math whenever you switch forms.
What to check before you buy L-citrulline
Powders sold as citrulline can differ in form, assay basis, source, and purity limits. Review these points together, and ask for lot documents before you approve a supplier.
Free form or malate
Confirm that the specification and certificate of analysis (COA) both name L-citrulline, CAS 372-75-8. Citrulline malate is a different material sold under similar names, often as DL-malate.
Assay and basis
A typical limit is 99.0 to 101.0% on a dried basis. Ask which method the lab used and whether the result is dried or as is.
Specific rotation
Check that the rotation falls inside the stated range, often +24.5° to +26.5°. It is the quickest paper check that you are buying the L-form.
Related compounds
Ask for the result for other amino acids and related compounds by HPLC. A published fermentation grade limit is NMT 0.5%.
Strain and feedstock
Ask what organism makes the citrulline and what it is fed. Some makers use genetically modified strains, so any GMO or animal origin statement should cover both.
Contaminant limits
Check lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury by ICP-MS, plus microbial limits by USP methods. Compare each limit with your own finished product specification.
Label math: If you move a formula from citrulline malate to L-citrulline, the gram weight changes. For example, 3 g of citrulline from a 2:1 malate by weight takes about 4.5 g of powder. Free form L-citrulline at a 99% assay takes about 3.03 g.
Typical specification for L-citrulline
These values reflect a published fermentation grade specification. Final figures come from the specification sheet and COA for your lot. NLT means not less than, and NMT means not more than.
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | L-citrulline, C6H13N3O3, CAS 372-75-8 | USP identification test |
| Production | Provided with quote | Supplier declaration |
| Appearance | Provided with quote | Visual |
| Assay (dried basis) | Provided with quote | USP monograph method |
| Specific rotation | Provided with quote | USP <781S> |
| Other amino acids and related compounds | Provided with quote | HPLC |
| pH (solution) | Provided with quote | USP <791> |
| State of solution | Provided with quote | Visual |
| Ammonium | Provided with quote | Supplier method |
| Chloride | Provided with quote | USP <221> |
| Sulfate | Provided with quote | USP <221> |
| Iron | Provided with quote | USP <241> |
| Loss on drying | Provided with quote | USP <731> |
| Residue on ignition | Provided with quote | USP <281> |
| Lead | Provided with quote | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic | Provided with quote | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium and mercury | Provided with quote | ICP-MS |
| Total aerobic count | Provided with quote | USP <2021> |
| Yeast and mold | Provided with quote | USP <2021> |
| Retest period | Provided with quote | Stability data |
Storage and handling for bulk L-citrulline
Amino acid powders stay in good condition when they are sealed, dry, and at room temperature. These steps keep the powder in good condition between production runs.
Keep it sealed
Close the inner liner after each use and press out the air. An open bag can pick up moisture in a humid room and start to clump.
Store dry at room temperature
Keep bags off the floor in a dry, well ventilated room, away from heat sources. Follow the temperature range on the spec sheet.
Use clean, dry tools
Scoop with dry utensils and keep water and liquid ingredients away from the open bag. Wet spots turn into hard lumps that slow blending.
Rotate stock
Record the lot number and retest date for each bag. Send older lots to production first.
L-citrulline buyer FAQ
Quick answers to the questions procurement and quality teams ask most.
What is the difference between L-citrulline and citrulline malate?
L-citrulline is the amino acid on its own, while citrulline malate combines it with malic acid. Citrulline malate is usually sold as a 2:1 or 1:1 ratio, often with DL-malic acid. This page covers free form L-citrulline only.
How much citrulline is in citrulline malate 2:1?
A 2:1 citrulline malate is about 67% citrulline if the ratio is by weight, or about 72% if it is a molar ratio. A 1:1 product is about 50 to 57%. Ask any malate supplier which basis they use, and check the citrulline assay on the COA.
How is L-citrulline powder made?
L-citrulline for supplements is made by microbial fermentation, then purified by crystallization and dried. Ask your supplier to name the production organism and the feedstock.
Is there a USP monograph for citrulline?
Yes. USP-NF publishes a Citrulline monograph in its dietary supplement section, with tests for assay and related compounds. Ask whether your lot is checked against it.
Does L-citrulline powder dissolve in water?
Yes. Spec sheets include a state of solution test, and good lots dissolve to a clear, colorless solution. Run your own trial at your target concentration before you finalize a drink mix.
What documents can I get with an order?
Select testing documents on the quote form and we will send what is available for the lot.
Can I get a sample before a bulk order?
Yes. Choose sample options on the quote form and we will confirm size and timing.
Request a quote for bulk L-citrulline powder
Tell us your quantity, grade, and timing. We will reply with current pricing, lot documents, and sample options for your project.
Order L-Citrulline PowderBulk orders: Choose a pack size above, or request a quote for larger volumes, samples, and lot documents. We serve supplement brands, contract manufacturers, product developers, and formulators.
This bulk ingredient is sold for further manufacturing and formulation. The information on this page describes the ingredient and how commercial buyers evaluate it. It is not medical advice. Each finished product brand is responsible for its own labeling and product claims.
