Citrulline Malate
6 g · Pre-workout
Robert
Founder, F*CK Getting Old — independent researcher, not a medical professional.
Last reviewed · 1 cited source
Evidence
- Human Studies
- 30
- Animal Studies
- 15
- Clinical Status
- Dietary Supplement
- Confidence
- Moderate
- Long-Term Safety
- Well-tolerated in performance trials; most studies are short-duration around exercise, not long-term daily use
What this score is: a measure of how much research exists and how far along it is (animal-only vs. human trials, research-stage vs. FDA approved) — not how safe, effective, or worth trying a compound is. A low score usually means “early stage” or “understudied,” not “bad.” A high score doesn’t mean “better” for your goals than a lower-scored one.
This is not my personal rating of the compound, not a recommendation, and not medical advice. It’s a general research synthesis for informational purposes only, not a live literature count. See the linked research and talk to a licensed clinician before making decisions based on it.
Mechanism
Citrulline is converted to arginine in the kidneys, which is then converted to nitric oxide, promoting vasodilation. It is more bioavailable orally than direct arginine supplementation because it bypasses first-pass liver metabolism that breaks down much of an oral arginine dose before it reaches circulation.
Common Protocols
- 6–8 g of citrulline malate, roughly 30–60 minutes before training
Side Effects
- Mild GI upset at higher doses
- Generally well-tolerated
Interactions
- May have additive blood-pressure-lowering effects with medications for hypertension or erectile dysfunction (e.g. PDE5 inhibitors) — caution combining
Practical Details
- Cost
- $
- Typical Dose
- 6 g
- Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place
Key Studies & Reviews
- Aguiar AF, Casonatto J (2022). Effects of citrulline malate supplementation on muscle strength in resistance-trained adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Diet Suppl. PMID 34176406.
Search the Research
Citrulline Malate FAQ
What is the typical Citrulline Malate dosage?
Commonly reported protocols: 6–8 g of citrulline malate, roughly 30–60 minutes before training. Our reference entry uses 6 g, Pre-workout. These reflect protocols reported in research and user communities, not a medical recommendation — dosing should be decided with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Citrulline Malate?
Reported side effects include: Mild GI upset at higher doses; Generally well-tolerated.
Is Citrulline Malate FDA approved?
Citrulline Malate is sold as a dietary supplement. The FDA does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are sold, so third-party tested brands are worth seeking out.
How much research is there on Citrulline Malate?
Our evidence profile counts roughly 30 human and 15 animal studies, with moderate overall confidence. Long-term safety: Well-tolerated in performance trials; most studies are short-duration around exercise, not long-term daily use.
Does Citrulline Malate interact with other drugs or supplements?
May have additive blood-pressure-lowering effects with medications for hypertension or erectile dysfunction (e.g. PDE5 inhibitors) — caution combining.
Related compounds
Nitric oxide precursor; pump and endurance support