The Claim

Six weeks of daily supplementation with 8 g of L-citrulline or 12 g of L-citrulline DL-malate significantly increases repetitions to failure by approximately 9-10 reps during bench press and incline press exercises in resistance-trained men compared to placebo, indicating an ergogenic effect on sustained resistance exercise performance.

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.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Taking 8 grams of L-citrulline or 12 grams of L-citrulline DL-malate daily for six weeks may help resistance-trained men perform more repetitions to failure in bench press and incline press exercises compared to taking a placebo.

See the scientific wording

Six weeks of daily supplementation with 8 g of L-citrulline or 12 g of L-citrulline DL-malate significantly improves upper body muscular endurance in resistance-trained men, increasing repetitions to failure by approximately 9-10 reps across bench press and incline press exercises, compared to placebo, suggesting a meaningful ergogenic effect on sustained resistance exercise performance.

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

    This study found that men who took L-citrulline or L-citrulline DL-malate every day for six weeks could do about 9–10 more push-ups or bench presses before getting too tired, compared to those who took a sugar pill. So yes, the supplements helped them lift longer.

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.