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    Citrulline Malate

    Also known as: L-Citrulline DL-Malate, CitMal, Citrulline Malate 2:1

    Salt of L-citrulline and DL-malic acid (commonly 2:1); citrulline raises plasma arginine and NO; malate enters the Krebs cycle and may buffer fatigue.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    78/100
    PumpEnduranceReps to failureReduced soreness
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Citrulline malate combines L-citrulline (a potent arginine precursor) with malic acid (a TCA-cycle intermediate) and is widely used pre-workout for pump, performance, and reduced DOMS.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Raises plasma arginine and NO production for vasodilation; malate provides aerobic substrate; combination reduces RPE and post-exercise soreness.

    Physiological Role

    RCTs show 8 g citrulline malate increases reps to failure (+20%) and reduces DOMS at 24–48 h; ergogenic for resistance and endurance tasks.

    Primary Pathways

    Arginine→NOS→nitric oxideVasodilationMalate→TCA cycleAmmonia buffering

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses for resistance training reps and reduced DOMS; widely used in pre-workouts.

    Evidence Review

    Overall78/100
    Human Clinical82/100
    Meta-AnalysisN/A

    No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.

    Mechanistic85/100
    Real-World76/100
    Safety92/100

    Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    4 g
    Optimal Range
    6–8 g 30–60 min pre-exercise
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~12 g acute
    Timing
    30–60 min pre-workout
    Best Format
    Powder
    Bioavailability
    High — citrulline bypasses hepatic first-pass arginine metabolism.
    Absorption Considerations
    Active intestinal transport; plasma arginine peaks ~1 h.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Mild GI upset
    • •Tart taste

    Contraindications

    • Severe hypotension

    Drug Interactions

    • •Nitrates
    • •PDE5 inhibitors
    • •Antihypertensives

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Severe hypotension

    Monitoring

    None routine.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Citrulline Malate typically used or indicated?

    Citrulline Malate is most commonly used for: Pump, Endurance, Reps to failure, Reduced soreness. RCTs show 8 g citrulline malate increases reps to failure (+20%) and reduces DOMS at 24–48 h; ergogenic for resistance and endurance tasks.

    How does Citrulline Malate work?

    Raises plasma arginine and NO production for vasodilation; malate provides aerobic substrate; combination reduces RPE and post-exercise soreness.

    What is the recommended dose of Citrulline Malate?

    The optimal range is 6–8 g 30–60 min pre-exercise. with a minimum effective dose of 4 g. Best taken: 30–60 min pre-workout. Upper / caution level: ~12 g acute.

    What are the side effects of Citrulline Malate?

    Reported side effects include: Mild GI upset; and Tart taste. Monitoring: None routine.

    Does Citrulline Malate interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: Nitrates; PDE5 inhibitors; and Antihypertensives. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Citrulline Malate?

    Citrulline Malate is generally not recommended for: Severe hypotension; and Severe hypotension.

    How strong is the evidence for Citrulline Malate?

    Evidence level: Strong (overall score 78/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness

    RCT2010Strong
    PubMed

    +20% reps to failure; significant reduction in DOMS at 24 and 48 h.

    Related Ingredients

    Other top-rated ingredients in Pump and Performance Ingredients.

    Nitrosigine®

    82/100

    Inositol-stabilized arginine silicate complex that provides sustained elevation of plasma arginine (up to 6 hours) and silicon, enhancing eNOS-mediated nitric oxide production, vascular compliance, and cognitive flexibility during physical exertion.

    Beetroot Extract

    80/100

    Concentrated source of dietary inorganic nitrate that undergoes serial reduction via oral microbiome (NO₃⁻ → NO₂⁻) and tissue-level reduction (NO₂⁻ → NO) through the oxygen-independent nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, enhancing blood flow and exercise efficiency.

    L-Citrulline

    74/100

    A non-proteinogenic amino acid recycled through the urea cycle that elevates plasma L-arginine levels, enhancing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) substrate availability and systemic NO production.

    Research Overview

    Strong Evidence
    1Total Studies
    1Human Trials
    0Meta-Analyses
    2010Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    1Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceAthletes
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)No
    Athlete-specific data1 studies

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/citrulline-malate

    SuppIndex. (2026). Citrulline Malate: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/citrulline-malate

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Strong.

    Goal Ratings

    Endurance
    Recovery
    Muscle Gain
    Strength

    Stack Compatibility

    Pair with beta-alanine, caffeine, creatine; common in pre-workouts.

    Beta-AlanineCaffeineCreatine