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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Citrulline Malate and L-Citrulline are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Likely helps
3 of 4 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
8 of 10 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (2)
Outcomes where both Citrulline Malate and L-Citrulline have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
6-8g citrulline malate pre-workout
30-60 minutes before exercise, Empty stomach or with light carbs
Citrulline Malate 2:1 powder
3-6g (or 6-8g citrulline malate)
30-60 minutes before exercise, Or split doses throughout day
L-Citrulline powder (pure form)
Acute (within session)
Acute
24-48 hours
Acute
1-2 weeks
24-48 hours post-exercise
30-60 minutes
With doses >10g
Acute Effect of Citrulline Malate on Repetition Performance During Strength Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (2021) · Meta analysis · n=198
Small ergogenic effect (SMD=0.196)
Impact of Chronic Nitrate and Citrulline Malate Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Spanish Professional Female Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Nutrients (2025) · Rct · n=60
Plasma NO3- concentrations significantly increased from baseline in the NIT + CM group and remained elevated 24 h after the final dose, confirming sustained systemic exposure.
Effects of Acute Citrulline Malate Supplementation on CrossFit(®) Exercise Performance: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study
Nutrients (2024) · Crossover · n=21
The results indicated no significant difference in the number of rounds completed between the CM and placebo conditions (13.5 ± 5.2 vs. 13.8 ± 6.7 rounds, respectively; p = 0.587).
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 · n=1080
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).
Meta-analysis showed small effect (SMD=0.196) with ~3 additional reps. Several individual studies showed mixed results including null findings. Effect appears inconsistent across different exercise modalities.
Meta-analysis showed significant reduction in muscle soreness 24h post-exercise but effect size was modest. Studies primarily used citrulline malate form.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Both Citrulline Malate and L-Citrulline are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For improve endurance, L-Citrulline has a higher relevance score (85 vs 75).
No known interactions between Citrulline Malate and L-Citrulline have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.