Best Fit Profiles
- exercise performance, blood pressure, and endothelial function support
Nitric oxide production and exercise performance
L-Citrulline
Citrulline is more effective than arginine at raising plasma arginine and nitric oxide. RCTs show improvements in exercise performance, blood pressure, and endothelial function. Most studied as citrulline malate in exercise contexts.
Evidence Level B
Evidence and Risk Labels
Evidence A/B/C reflects research maturity, and risk levels reflect monitoring needs. These labels support comparison, not diagnosis or treatment decisions.
See full scoring guideClinical Snapshot
- Effect Size
- Meaningful improvement in exercise endurance and modest blood pressure reduction in 8-12 week trials
- Safety
- Low Risk
Minimal known risks at studied doses; GI discomfort at very high doses (>10 g).
Research Dosing
This reflects common ranges and protocols used in published studies, not personal medical advice.
- Typical Daily Dose
- 6-8 g (as citrulline malate 2:1); 3-4 g as pure citrulline
- Timing
- 30-60 minutes before exercise
- Protocol Duration in Studies
- Acute and chronic benefits; 4-8 weeks for blood pressure endpoints
Citrulline malate is the most commonly studied form; pure citrulline is also effective.