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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Magnesium wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
9 of 11 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
13 of 17 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both L-Citrulline and Magnesium have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
3-6g (or 6-8g citrulline malate)
30-60 minutes before exercise, Or split doses throughout day
L-Citrulline powder (pure form)
200-350mg elemental magnesium daily
Evening for sleep/relaxation (glycinate), Morning for energy (malate), Anytime (citrate)
Depends on goal - see notes
1-2 weeks
24-48 hours post-exercise
30-60 minutes
With doses >10g
1-2 weeks
1-2 weeks
1 week
Immediate
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).
Magnesium supplementation in pregnancy
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2014) · Meta analysis · n=9090
Women receiving magnesium were significantly less likely to require hospitalisation during pregnancy (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.86; three trials, 1158 women).Of the 10 trials included in the review, only two were judged to be of high quality overall.
Magnesium Supplementation and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Hypertension (2025) · Meta analysis · n=2709
38 RCTs with 2709 participants analyzed
Magnesium and Potassium Supplementation for Systolic Blood Pressure Reduction in the General Normotensive Population: A Systematic Review and Subgroup Meta-Analysis for Optimal Dosage and Treatment Length
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
Both supplements demonstrated greater reductions in SBP for the general population at lower dosages and longer treatment durations.
Meta-analysis showed significant reduction in muscle soreness 24h post-exercise but effect size was modest. Studies primarily used citrulline malate form.
Based on meta-analysis of 38 RCTs with 2709 participants showing -7.68 mmHg reduction in hypertensive individuals. Effects are greatest in those with hypomagnesemia. Limited evidence in normotensive populations.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Magnesium has a higher evidence score (8.5/10 vs 6/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For improve endurance, L-Citrulline has a higher relevance score (85 vs 48).
No known interactions between L-Citrulline and Magnesium have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.