The Claim

L-citrulline and citrulline malate supplementation do not significantly improve maximal muscular strength (1RM) in resistance-trained men over a six-week intervention period, despite overall strength gains in all groups, indicating no enhancement of maximal force production by these supplements.

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

In men who regularly lift weights, taking L-citrulline or citrulline malate supplements for six weeks does not lead to greater increases in maximum strength compared to not taking them, even though everyone in the study got stronger.

See the scientific wording

L-citrulline and citrulline malate supplementation do not significantly improve maximal muscular strength (1RM) in resistance-trained men over six weeks, despite significant gains in strength across all groups, indicating that these supplements do not enhance maximal force production.

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 citrulline or citrulline malate didn’t help people lift heavier weights for just one rep, even though they got better at doing more reps. So, these supplements don’t make you stronger in your max lift.

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.