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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
L-Citrulline vs Potassium: they're closely matched on evidence (6 vs 8.5/10); they're alternatives for speed up recovery — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
L-Citrulline and Potassium are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Likely helps
9 of 11 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
9 of 14 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both L-Citrulline and Potassium 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)
99-500mg daily from supplements (food provides more)
With food to reduce GI upset, Spread throughout day, During/after exercise for athletes
Potassium Citrate or Potassium Gluconate
1-2 weeks
24-48 hours post-exercise
30-60 minutes
With doses >10g
2-4 weeks
1-2 weeks
Long-term
With excess or kidney issues
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).
Effect of changes in potassium intake on blood pressure: a dose–response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (2000–2024)
Clinical Kidney Journal (2025) · Meta analysis · n=2500
Dose-response analysis of RCTs from 2000-2024
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.
Sex-specific associations between sodium and potassium intake and overall and cause-specific mortality: a large prospective U.S. cohort study, systematic review, and updated meta-analysis of cohort studies
BMC medicine (2024) · Meta analysis · n=237036
Meta-analysis examining Potassium efficacy
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 L-Citrulline and Potassium are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For speed up recovery, L-Citrulline has a higher relevance score (80 vs 50).
No known interactions between L-Citrulline and Potassium 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.