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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Arginine vs L-Citrulline: Arginine has the stronger overall evidence (7.5 vs 6/10); they're alternatives for improve endurance — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Arginine wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
9 of 12 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
3 of 4 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (2)
Outcomes where both Arginine and L-Citrulline have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
3-6g daily
30-60 minutes before exercise, Divided doses throughout the day for cardiovascular benefits
L-Arginine powder or capsules
3-6g (or 6-8g citrulline malate)
30-60 minutes before exercise, Or split doses throughout day
L-Citrulline powder (pure form)
30-60 minutes
During exercise
2-4 weeks
Immediate
1-2 weeks
24-48 hours post-exercise
30-60 minutes
With doses >10g
Nutritional interventions for preventing and treating pressure ulcers
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2024) · Meta analysis · n=7920
Compared to standard diet, protein supplements may result in little to no difference in pressure ulcer incidence (protein 21 per 1000, standard diet 28 per 1000; RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.14; 4 studies, 4264 participants; low-certainty evidence).
Comparative Effects of Different Nutritional Supplements on Inflammation, Nutritional Status, and Clinical Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2023) · Meta analysis · n=2841
Glutamine was superior in decreasing tumor necrosis factor-α (MD -25.2; 95% CrI [-32.62, -17.95]), whereas combined omega-3 and arginine supplementation was more effective in decreasing interleukin-6 (MD -61.41; 95% CrI [-97.85, -24.85]).
Nutritional interventions for treating foot ulcers in people with diabetes
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020) · Meta analysis · n=629
It is also uncertain whether arginine, glutamine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplement increases the proportion of ulcers healed at 16 weeks compared with placebo (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.40).
Absence of Effects of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline on Inflammatory Biomarkers and Oxidative Stress in Response to Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2023) · Meta analysis
We observed no difference between pre- vs. post-exercise for oxidative stress (subtotal = -0.21 [CI: -0.56, 0.14], p = 0.24, and heterogeneity = 0%.
Effects of Citrulline or Watermelon Supplementation on Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2025) · Meta analysis
Overall, CIT supplementation had no substantial effects on body mass index (BMI), body weight, fat mass (FM), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP), and fat-free mass (FFM).
Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2021) · Meta analysis
No effect on exercise performance following consumption of foods rich in L-citrulline was identified (SMD=-0.03, p=0.24).
From a dose-response meta-analysis of twenty-two randomised placebo-controlled trials (PMID 34967840): oral L-arginine lowered systolic blood pressure by 6.40 mmHg and diastolic by 2.64 mmHg overall, the effective dose for systolic pressure was 4 g a day or more, and trials using more than 9 g a day showed no significant change. That subgroup result is why the curve falls back at 9 g. It is a subgroup of pooled trials, not a trial that compared doses, so no optimal dose is given. An earlier meta-analysis of 11 trials at 4 to 24 g a day (PMID 22137067) found similar reductions (5.39 and 2.66 mmHg) without separating doses. Neither abstract reports side effects by dose.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Arginine has a higher evidence score (7.5/10 vs 6/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For improve endurance, L-Citrulline has a higher relevance score (85 vs 65).
No known interactions between Arginine and L-Citrulline have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.