The Claim
A single 500 mL dose of L-citrulline-enriched watermelon juice containing 3.45 g L-citrulline has no effect on half-marathon race time in amateur male runners, as no significant difference in mean race time was observed between the supplemented group and the placebo group (99.9 minutes for both).
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.
Drinking 500 mL of watermelon juice with 3.45 grams of L-citrulline before a half-marathon does not change the race time of amateur male runners compared to drinking a placebo beverage.
See the scientific wording
A single 500 mL dose of L-citrulline-enriched watermelon juice (3.45 g L-citrulline) does not improve half-marathon race time in amateur male runners, with no significant difference observed between supplemented and placebo groups (mean time: 99.9 minutes for both).
L-citrulline is converted into arginine, which triggers the production of nitric oxide, causing blood vessels to widen and deliver more oxygen to muscles. At the same time, L-citrulline helps remove ammonia, a waste product from intense exercise, which reduces the body's reliance on energy pathways that produce lactic acid. This allows muscles to work longer without accumulating fatigue-causing acids, preserving strength and reducing soreness after exercise.
What the research says
1 studyThe study found that drinking this watermelon juice before a half-marathon didn’t make runners any faster than drinking a fake juice — they both finished in the same time. So yes, it doesn’t help you run quicker.
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.