The Claim
Acute ingestion of citrulline malate increases the arginine-to-ADMA and arginine-to-SDMA ratios in healthy young males, indicating greater substrate availability relative to endogenous inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, without improving flow-mediated dilation.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Taking citrulline malate temporarily raises the ratio of arginine to two molecules that block nitric oxide production in healthy young men, but this change does not lead to better blood vessel dilation.
See the scientific wording
Acute citrulline malate ingestion increases the arginine-to-ADMA and arginine-to-SDMA ratios in healthy young males, indicating improved substrate availability relative to endogenous inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, though this does not translate to improved flow-mediated dilation.
When citrulline malate is swallowed, it breaks down into citrulline, which the kidneys turn into arginine. This raises arginine levels in the blood while lowering the relative amount of two chemicals that block arginine's use by the enzyme that makes nitric oxide. Even though more arginine is available for nitric oxide production, the blood vessels do not widen more than before.
What the research says
1 studyTaking citrulline malate raised the levels of a helpful chemical (arginine) compared to blockers in the blood, but this didn’t make blood vessels widen any more in healthy young men.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.