Conclusion: Nevertheless, several studies have reported that L-citrulline supplementation can enhance exercise performance and recovery. Given the positive effects observed from some investigations, future studies should continue to investigate the effects of both acute and chronic supplementation with L-citrulline and citrulline malate on markers of blood flow and exercise performance and should seek to elucidate the mechanism underlying such effects.
PubMed 31977835 ↗Citrulline Malate
People mainly take Citrulline Malate for performance, recovery, heart & lipids. Based on 30 first-hand reports and 5 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #182 of 1,974 overall.
Of reports that state an outcome, 93% are positive.
What Citrulline Malate does, according to users
Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.
5 more with fewer than 3 reports
What the research says
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.
3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.
Conclusion: The current analysis observed a small ergogenic effect of CitMal compared with placebo. Acute CitMal supplementation may, therefore, delay fatigue and enhance muscle endurance during high-intensity strength training.
PubMed 34010809 ↗Conclusion: The mean effects were similar for "limbs" (upper vs lower) [p = 0.763]. Accordingly, our findings suggest that citrulline malate supplementation does not improve muscle strength in healthy and resistance-trained individuals (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020159338).
PubMed 34176406 ↗Conclusion: Reliable dosing, timing, and target populations have not been established. Larger trials with verified supplement composition and standardized protocols are needed.
PubMed 42356270 ↗Dosage people report
As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.
Reported side effects
How often each side effect came up across all reports.
What users say
Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.
“Instead of viagra, try citrulline malate”
“2 Scoops Legion Pulse (L-Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Alpha-GPC)”
“I believe a lot of the studies about citrulline”
“creatine, citrulline malate, magnesium citrate”
“Citrulline Malate [listed as great supplement for most people with few side-effects]”
Top discussions (5)
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Other options for performance
User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate