The Claim
A dose of 1.2 grams of L-citrulline delivered in 750 mL of watermelon juice reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness in healthy young adults, but the volume of liquid required to achieve this dose limits practicality compared to powdered supplementation.
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.
Consuming 750 mL of watermelon juice containing 1.2 grams of L-citrulline reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness in healthy young adults, but the large volume of liquid makes this method less practical than taking L-citrulline in powder form.
See the scientific wording
The dose of 1.2 grams of L-citrulline delivered in 750 mL of watermelon juice is sufficient to reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness in healthy young adults, but achieving this dose through watermelon juice requires consuming a large volume of liquid, which may limit practicality compared to powdered supplementation.
After consuming L-citrulline, the body converts it into arginine, which is used to make nitric oxide. Nitric oxide activates cells that repair damaged muscle tissue and releases signals that speed up healing. This reduces the pain and stiffness that follow intense exercise.
What the research says
1 studyThe study found that drinking 750 mL of watermelon juice works just as well as taking a powder to reduce muscle soreness after exercise. So yes, you can get the beneficial dose from juice — but you have to drink a lot of it.
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.