Citrulline Malate
Amino Acid ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
Citrulline malate combines L-citrulline with malic acid and is used before resistance or high-intensity exercise for blood flow, training volume, and perceived fatigue. Evidence is mixed but suggests benefit for some strength-endurance outcomes at 6-8 g. It can lower blood pressure in susceptible users and is often redundant with separate L-citrulline.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.
This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.
What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Citrulline Malate is an amino acid most often used for may improve resistance-training volume, may reduce perceived exertion or soreness, supports nitric oxide availability and muscle pump. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate. A typical adult dose is 6-8 g citrulline malate 2:1 about 30-60 minutes pre-workout; equivalent L-citrulline dose is usually 3-6 g, commonly taken as citrulline malate powder with disclosed 2:1 or 1:1 ratio. This profile indexes 3 sources.
- GI upset
- Heartburn
- Loose stools
- Use with nitrates, PDE-5 inhibitors, or antihypertensive therapy without clinician guidance
- Low blood pressure or recurrent dizziness
The bottom line
Evidence rating moderate. Most-documented uses: may improve resistance-training volume, may reduce perceived exertion or soreness, supports nitric oxide availability and muscle pump. 3 sources indexed (2002–2019), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Citrulline bypasses intestinal and hepatic arginase metabolism better than oral arginine, raising plasma arginine and supporting nitric oxide synthesis. Malate is a tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate and may contribute to ammonia handling and aerobic energy metabolism, though its independent contribution is less certain. Increased nitric oxide can support vasodilation and blood flow during exercise.3,1
Dosing & protocol.
Often taken on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before training to reduce amino acid competition and GI load. Powder allows effective dosing.1
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Citrulline malate 2:1 powder.
Powder is cheaper than capsules at effective 6-8 g doses. Updated 2026-06-04.
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- GI upset
- Heartburn
- Loose stools
- Dizziness from lower blood pressure
- Headache
Contraindications
- Use with nitrates, PDE-5 inhibitors, or antihypertensive therapy without clinician guidance
- Low blood pressure or recurrent dizziness
- Severe kidney disease unless clinician-directed
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient high-dose data
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Meta-analyses & systematic reviews
1- 1Effects of citrulline supplementation on exercise performance in humans: a review and meta-analysisTrexler ET et al. · Sports Medicine · 2019
Benefits were more likely for high-intensity strength-endurance tasks than maximal strength alone.
Randomized controlled trials
2- 2Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle sorenessPerez-Guisado J et al. · Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · 2010
8 g citrulline malate improved repetitions and reduced soreness in a resistance exercise protocol.
- 3Citrulline/malate promotes aerobic energy production in human exercising muscleBendahan D et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2002
Citrulline malate altered muscle energy metabolism measures during exercise.
Common questions.
Quick answers about Citrulline Malate, drawn from the data on this page.
What is Citrulline Malate?
Citrulline malate combines L-citrulline with malic acid and is used before resistance or high-intensity exercise for blood flow, training volume, and perceived fatigue. Evidence is mixed but suggests benefit for some strength-endurance outcomes at 6-8 g. It can lower blood pressure in susceptible users and is often redundant with separate L-citrulline.
What is Citrulline Malate used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Citrulline Malate include: May improve resistance-training volume; May reduce perceived exertion or soreness; Supports nitric oxide availability and muscle pump; May improve blood flow; May help fatigue resistance in some protocols. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate.
What is a typical dose of Citrulline Malate?
A typical adult dose of Citrulline Malate is 6-8 g citrulline malate 2:1 about 30-60 minutes pre-workout; equivalent L-citrulline dose is usually 3-6 g. The commonly recommended form is Citrulline malate powder with disclosed 2:1 or 1:1 ratio. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Citrulline Malate?
Reported side effects include gi upset, heartburn, loose stools, dizziness from lower blood pressure, headache. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Citrulline Malate?
NutriStack rates this as Moderate, meaning several aligned RCTs or one large RCT plus supporting reviews. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
Citrulline Malate in NutriStack.
Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.