Citrulline Malate
6 g · Pre-workout
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
Research Links
Nitric oxide precursor; pump and endurance support