What is L-Citrulline Malate (L-Citrulline Malate)?
L-citrulline malate is a combination of the L-citrulline amino acid and malic acid (malate). L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine in the kidneys, serving as a precursor for nitric oxide (NO) production; this supports vasodilation (blood vessel widening) and blood flow. Because it bypasses the liver, it raises plasma arginine levels more effectively than arginine itself; it is used at a dose of 6-8 g for pre-workout 'pump' and repeat performance.
- CAS number: 54940-97-5
- Molecular formula: C₁₀H₁₉N₃O₈
What Does L-Citrulline Malate Do? Why Is It Used?
L-citrulline malate is a popular pre-workout component that supports blood flow ('pump') via increased NO, with moderate evidence for improving repetition count and fatigue resistance. Meta-analyses show that an 8 g dose significantly increases the number of repetitions to failure. It is a good complement to caffeine and creatine for athletes performing resistance and high-volume training.
Usage as Sports Nutrition
The following information is based on sports nutrition research (ISSN position stands, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses); the level of evidence is clearly stated for each item.
- Nitric Oxide (NO) and Blood Flow / Pump: L-citrulline → L-arginine → NO pathway increases vasodilation, supporting oxygen and nutrient delivery to working muscles ('pump' sensation). This mechanism is the primary reason for use in pre-workout formulations.
- Repetition Count and Muscle Endurance: Vårvik et al. (2021) meta-analysis (8 studies, 137 participants): 8 g of citrulline malate taken 60 minutes before training increased the number of repetitions to failure by an average of ~3 reps (6.4%) (small but significant ergogenic effect). The effect is particularly pronounced in subsequent sets where fatigue accumulates.
- Fatigue and Muscle Soreness: Pérez-Guisado & Jakeman (2010): 8 g of citrulline malate provided 52.9% more repetitions in the last set of bench press and ~40% less muscle soreness at 24-48 hours. This supports the hypothesis of contribution to recovery and effort tolerance.
- Dosage and Evidence Level: Effective protocol is 8 g (2:1) citrulline malate, pre-workout. Evidence is moderate; some newer studies have not found differences in isometric strength/muscle oxygenation with a single 8 g dose — meaning the effect is not consistently large, but modest.
Forms and Differences
L-Citrulline Malate is available in different forms; form selection is made based on bioavailability, stability, and intended use:
- L-Citrulline Malate 2:1: The most common pre-workout form; 2 parts L-citrulline + 1 part malic acid (malate). 8 g of citrulline malate provides approximately ~5.3 g of pure L-citrulline. Malate is added with the hypothesis of contributing to energy metabolism as a Krebs cycle intermediate; most performance RCTs have been conducted with this form.
- L-Citrulline (pure, without malate): Pure form effective in raising blood L-arginine and NO levels; used at doses of 3-6 g in cardiovascular/vasodilation studies. For performance, it is dosed without the malate ratio (2:1).
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Standard Pre-Workout Dose: 8 g of citrulline malate (2:1) for resistance training performance is taken ~40-60 minutes before training. Meta-analyses show this protocol increases repetition count.
- Endurance / Vasodilation Dose: 3-6 g/day is also used for pure L-citrulline (focused on NO/blood flow). Cumulative effects on vascular health with continuous use have also been investigated.
- Timing: A single dose pre-workout is critical for acute ergogenic effect; intake is tolerated with an empty or lightly filled stomach. It is a core component of pre-workout blends.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Pre-Workout and Functional Beverages: L-citrulline malate is formulated as an NO support component in pre-workout powders, 'pump' products, and functional sports drinks. It is often combined with caffeine.
- Natural Source: Citrulline is naturally found in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus); this is used in marketing as a reference to the component's food-based origin.
Effects on Health
- Vasodilation and Vascular Function (physiological): L-citrulline supports endothelium-dependent vasodilation via the arginine-NO pathway; this is an established physiological mechanism (not an official EFSA sports claim).
- Arginine Bioavailability: Citrulline raises plasma arginine levels by bypassing oral arginine, as it escapes first-pass liver metabolism; this provides an advantage in supplying NO substrate.
Status of Health Claims (EFSA) — Transparent Information
There is NO OFFICIAL sports performance or NO/blood flow health claim approved by EFSA for L-citrulline / citrulline malate. Performance benefits are based on RCT and meta-analysis data; there is no official EU claim.
Usage Limits and Safety
- Typical usage dose: Pre-workout 8 g citrulline malate (2:1); pure L-citrulline 3-6 g
- Upper Intake Level (UL): No official UL has been established. Doses up to 8 g have been well tolerated in RCTs; mild GI discomfort may occur at high doses.
- Turkish legislation (Sports Foods / TETGK): No specific numerical upper limit for L-citrulline malate could be verified in Turkish legislation; NOT FABRICATED. General provisions for food supplements / sports foods apply.
Generally well tolerated; mild stomach upset may occur at high doses. Those using PDE5 inhibitors/blood pressure medication should consult a doctor (due to vasodilation effect).
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Total Heavy Metals | ≤10 ppm |
| E. Coli | Negative in 10 g |
| Salmonella | Negative in 25 g |
| Solubility | Water Soluble |
Scientific Studies
The following independent studies relate to the component's effects on sports performance, bioavailability, and efficacy (study types are specified):
- PubMed 20386132 — Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and reduces muscle soreness (Pérez-Guisado & Jakeman, 2010)
- PubMed 33883286 — Acute effect of citrulline malate on repetition performance in strength training: systematic review and meta-analysis (Vårvik et al., 2021)
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for L-Citrulline Malate.
References
- journals.lww.com
- journals.humankinetics.com
- link.springer.com
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage, sports nutrition, and health information on this page have been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, ISSN, Turkish Food Codex Sports Foods / Dietary Supplements Regulation) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/sports nutrition raw material; it does not claim to diagnose or treat diseases.