Citrulline
Also known as citrulline malate, citrulline supplement, l-citrulline
Key takeaways
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What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 12 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
L-Citrulline is an amino acid precursor to L-arginine that enhances nitric oxide bioavailability. Research indicates it is primarily used to improve athletic performance, vasodilation, and cardiovascular health markers.
By condition
Athletic Performance
Moderate
Evidence suggests improvements in endurance, anaerobic performance, and high-intensity exercise such as CrossFit.
Cardiovascular Health
Moderate
Studies indicate potential benefits for endothelial function, blood pressure in postmenopausal women, and arterial stiffness in obese adolescents.
Effective doses
Specific dose ranges were not detailed in the provided abstracts, though studies utilized both L-Citrulline and Citrulline Malate formulations.
Safety & interactions
Not available
Limitations
Not available
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Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 12 sources, sorted by quality
**d'Unienville et al., 2021** | J Int Soc Sports Nutr | Meta Analysis d'Unienville Noah M A, Blake Henry T, ... Buckley Jonathan D. Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performanc…
Aging and menopause are associated with decreased nitric oxide bioavailability due to reduced L-arginine (L-ARG) levels contributing to endothelial dysfunction (ED). ED precedes arterial stiffness and hypertension development, a major risk …
Given the increasing popularity of CrossFit® as a high-intensity functional training program and the potential benefits of citrulline malate (CM) in enhancing exercise performance through its role as a precursor to L-arginine and nitric oxi…
BACKGROUND: Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and obesity contribute to vascular dysfunction through oxidative stress, heightening cardiovascular risk. Oral supplementation with L-citrulline (L-cit), a precurs…
**NCT ID**: NCT04871360 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 42 **Completion**: 2022-01-15
**NCT ID**: NCT05183893 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 50 **Completion**: 2022-06-30
BACKGROUND: Athletes are increasingly exploring ways to enhance their physical performance. Increasing blood flow to the working tissues through endothelium-dependent vasodilation is one factor athletes use to realize these results. Sports …
PURPOSE: Athletes often use sport supplements to improve their physical and physiological performance. This randomized, double-blind, placebo (PL) -controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of combined versus single supplementation …
This study investigated the effects of combined L-arginine (Arg) and citrulline-malate (CM) supplementation on aerobic, anaerobic, and high-intensity interval training in healthy, trained men. Both Arg and CM are widely marketed for their p…
**NCT ID**: NCT02521220 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 49 **Completion**: 2019-08-30
Frequently asked questions
What is L-Citrulline and what is it used for?
L-Citrulline is an amino acid that acts as a precursor to L-arginine, helping to enhance nitric oxide bioavailability in the body. It is primarily researched for its potential to improve athletic performance, promote vasodilation, and support cardiovascular health markers.
Does L-Citrulline help with athletic performance?
There is moderate evidence suggesting that L-Citrulline may improve endurance, anaerobic performance, and high-intensity exercise outcomes, such as those found in CrossFit. Research indicates it can be beneficial for physical exertion, though specific effective doses were not detailed in the provided summaries.
Can L-Citrulline improve cardiovascular health?
Studies indicate moderate evidence for potential benefits in cardiovascular health, including improvements in endothelial function, blood pressure in postmenopausal women, and arterial stiffness in obese adolescents. These findings suggest it may support vascular health, but individual results can vary.
What is the effective dose of L-Citrulline?
The provided evidence summary does not specify exact effective dose ranges for L-Citrulline. However, studies have utilized both L-Citrulline and Citrulline Malate formulations, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosage recommendations.
Is L-Citrulline safe to take?
Specific safety data and upper limits were not available in the provided evidence summary. Because safety profiles can vary, you should consult a healthcare provider before starting this supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Who should avoid taking L-Citrulline?
While no specific drug interactions were documented, the evidence summary does not provide detailed safety data for specific populations. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as those on blood pressure medications or other cardiovascular drugs, should consult a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for them.
Does L-Citrulline interact with any medications?
No drug interactions were documented in the provided evidence summary. However, because L-Citrulline affects nitric oxide and blood pressure, individuals taking medications for hypertension or heart conditions should speak with their doctor to avoid potential adverse effects.