Forms Comparison
| Form | Bioavailability | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| L-Citrulline (pure) | High | Pure citrulline — 3-6 g provides effective arginine elevation |
| Citrulline Malate (2:1) | High | Combined with malic acid for potential additional ATP production; 6-8 g dose needed |
Types of L-Citrulline: Forms & Bioavailability
Evidence:Strong
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L-Citrulline (pure)
Bioavailability: High. Best for: Pure citrulline — 3-6 g provides effective arginine elevation.
Citrulline Malate (2:1)
Bioavailability: High. Best for: Combined with malic acid for potential additional ATP production; 6-8 g dose needed.
References
- Meta-analysisTrexler ET, Persky AM, Ryan ED, et al. (2019). Acute effects of citrulline supplementation on high-intensity strength and power performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine. DOI PubMed
- RCTSchwedhelm E, Maas R, Freese R, et al. (2008). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine: impact on nitric oxide metabolism. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. DOI PubMed
- Meta-analysisLuo P, Chen J, Liu K, Zhang J (2025). Does l-citrulline supplementation and watermelon intake reduce blood pressure in middle-aged and older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Clinical nutrition ESPEN. DOI PubMed
- Meta-analysisPorto AA, Gonzaga LA, Benjamim CJR, Valenti VE (2023). 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. DOI PubMed
- Meta-analysisd'Unienville NMA, Blake HT, Coates AM, Hill AM, et al. (2021). 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. DOI PubMed
- Mirenayat MS, Moradi S, Mohammadi H, Rouhani MH (2018). Effect of L-Citrulline Supplementation on Blood Pressure: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.. Current hypertension reports. DOI PubMed
- Luo P, Li Z, Liu K, Gao W (2025). Effects of L-citrulline supplementation and watermelon intake on arterial stiffness and endothelial function in middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Frontiers in nutrition. DOI PubMed
Show 4 more references
- Huerta Ojeda Á, Domínguez de Hanna A, Barahona-Fuentes G (2019). [The effect of supplementation with L-arginine and L-citrulline on physical performance: a systematic review].. Nutricion hospitalaria. DOI PubMed
- Rodríguez-Carrillo AA, Espinoza-Vargas MR, Vargas-Ortiz K, Ibarra-Reynoso LDR, et al. (2025). Impact of L-Citrulline Supplementation and HIIT on Lipid Profile, Arterial Stiffness, and Fat Mass in Obese Adolescents with Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
- Li M, Sheykhlouvand M (2025). Effects of Combined Versus Single Supplementation of Creatine, Beta-Alanine, and L-Citrulline During Short Sprint Interval Training on Basketball Players' Performance: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.. International journal of sports physiology and performance. DOI PubMed
- Tain YL, Hsu CN (2024). Oral citrulline supplementation in pregnancies with preeclampsia: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.. EClinicalMedicine. DOI PubMed