The Claim

Acute supplementation with L-arginine and citrulline malate reduces the time to reach peak power during a 30-second Wingate anaerobic test by approximately 40% in trained men, without increasing peak or mean power output.

Source: Acute effects of combined supplementation of L-arginine and citrulline malate on aerobic, anaerobic, and CrossFit exercise performance

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
71score
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

In trained men, taking L-arginine and citrulline malate before a 30-second all-out cycling test reduces the time it takes to reach maximum power by about 40%, but does not increase the highest power or average power achieved.

See the scientific wording

Acute supplementation with L-arginine and citrulline malate reduces the time to reach peak power during a 30-second Wingate anaerobic test by approximately 40% in trained men, though it does not increase peak or mean power output.

Why this might work

The supplement provides raw materials that the body uses to make a chemical that opens blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and fuel to reach muscles faster. This helps the muscle's fastest energy system turn on quicker, so peak power is reached sooner without making the muscle stronger.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Acute effects of combined supplementation of L-arginine and citrulline malate on aerobic, anaerobic, and CrossFit exercise performance

    Taking this supplement before a short, all-out bike sprint helped trained men reach their maximum speed 40% faster, but didn’t make them pedal harder or longer. So yes, it helps them get up to speed quicker.

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.