Citrulline Malate

evidence score

supplement

264 studies

L-citrulline malatecitrulline DL-malatecitrulline 2:1+1 more

Citrulline malate combines L-citrulline (an amino acid) with malate (a Krebs cycle intermediate) in a 2:1 ratio. L-citrulline raises plasma arginine levels more effectively than supplemental arginine itself due to superior GI absorption and bypass of hepatic first-pass metabolism. This boosts nitric oxide (NO) production, causing vasodilation, improved blood flow, and the characteristic exercise pump. Malate independently supports mitochondrial ATP production. Together they reduce fatigue, improve multi-set training volume, and accelerate ammonia clearance.

Evidence

Strong evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Research Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Dosing

Typical

8000 mg

4000 mgRange10000 mg

Frequencydaily (45-60 min pre-workout)

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Pharmacology

Half-lifeL-citrulline ~60 minutes (plasma); effects on NO persist 2-4 hours

Onset45-60 minutes; take pre-workout

Duration3-5 hours

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

Level A — Strong

264 studies indexed · 8 meta-analyses

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)~48/100

Quality(30%)~50/100

Sample Size(10%)~100/100

Consistency(10%)~100/100

Replication(5%)~100/100

Recency(5%)~100/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Citrulline Malate is currently categorized as a supplement compound.

Evidence is strong (76/100) with a relatively mature body of research (264 indexed studies).

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

L-citrulline converts to arginine → NO via NOS → vasodilation; malate fuels Krebs cycle ATP synthesis and accelerates ammonia clearance

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

Level B: The Antioxidant Power of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction Gold Potentiates the Effects of L-Citrulline in Athlete Performance and Vasodilation in a Pilot Study.
Level B: Acute effects of combined supplementation of L-arginine and citrulline malate on aerobic, anaerobic, and CrossFit exercise performance.
Level B: Changes in resistance training performance, rating of perceived exertion, and blood biomarkers after six weeks of supplementation with L-citrulline vs. L-citrulline DL-malate in resistance-trained men: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.