The Claim

L-citrulline and citrulline malate supplementation result in comparable changes in upper body muscular endurance and post-exercise nitric oxide metabolites in resistance-trained men, demonstrating that the inclusion of malate does not enhance ergogenic effects beyond those of L-citrulline alone.

Source: Changes in resistance training performance, rating of perceived exertion, and blood biomarkers after six weeks of supplementation with L-citrulline vs. L-citrulline DL-malate in resistance-trained men: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
59score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Description
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In men who regularly lift weights, taking L-citrulline and citrulline malate leads to similar improvements in upper body endurance and nitric oxide metabolite levels after exercise, meaning adding malate does not provide extra performance benefits.

See the scientific wording

L-citrulline and citrulline malate supplementation produce similar effects on upper body muscular endurance and post-exercise nitric oxide metabolites in resistance-trained men, indicating that the addition of malate does not confer additional ergogenic benefit.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Changes in resistance training performance, rating of perceived exertion, and blood biomarkers after six weeks of supplementation with L-citrulline vs. L-citrulline DL-malate in resistance-trained men: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial

    The study found that taking plain citrulline and citrulline with malate gave the same results for muscle endurance and blood flow after workouts — so adding malate doesn’t make it better.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.