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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
L-Citrulline and Sodium Bicarbonate 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
6 of 10 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both L-Citrulline and Sodium Bicarbonate 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)
0.2-0.3g per kg bodyweight (14-21g for 70kg person)
60-180 minutes before exercise, Split into multiple doses
Pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate powder or capsules
1-2 weeks
24-48 hours post-exercise
30-60 minutes
With doses >10g
Acute (1-3 hours)
Acute
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).
Sodium Bicarbonate Treatment and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease with Metabolic Acidosis: A Meta-Analysis
Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN (2024) · Meta analysis · n=2037
Fourteen RCTs comprising 2037 patients demonstrated that sodium bicarbonate supplementation significantly improved eGFR (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03 to 0.63; P = 0.03).
Nutritional Ergogenic Aids in Cycling: A Systematic Review
Nutrients (2024) · Systematic review · n=701
However, no statistically significant effects were identified for the remaining supplements, whether administered individually or in combination.
Effects of Different Dietary Supplements on Swimming Performance: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
L-arginine (Arg) demonstrated superior performance to the placebo (SMD = -1.66, 95% CI [-2.92, -0.44]), emerging as the most effective intervention for reducing 100 swimming time (SUCRA = 89.5%).
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-analyses showing performance improvements in combat sports and cycling. GI distress is dose-limiting factor. Effects primarily observed in events lasting 1-7 minutes. Individual variation in tolerance is high.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Both L-Citrulline and Sodium Bicarbonate are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For improve endurance, Sodium Bicarbonate has a higher relevance score (90 vs 85).
No known interactions between L-Citrulline and Sodium Bicarbonate have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.