I agree with you.
Malate serves as an important component in the tricarboxylic (or TCA) cycle, which is one way your body produces energy. When you increase malate levels, you increase energy production. Therefore, citrulline malate provides the one-two punch of bringing additional blood—and subsequently, oxygen and nutrients—to exercising muscles, as well as providing increased energy to boost performance levels.
L-Citrulline or Citrulline Malate? N.O. Contest!
Here are some of the more recent studies
PROCEDURE
During each experimental trial and 40 min prior to beginning a standardized warm-up, participants ingested either
8 g of pure L-citrulline DL-malate powder (CM; Bulk Supplements, Henderson, NV, USA) mixed with 500 ml of water or PL. This dosage is consistent with previous investigations
In the current study, CM supplementation did not alter subjective measures of focus, energy, and fatigue. Additionally, CM supplementation did not modify the participants’ RPE during or following the resistance exercise protocol.
In conclusion, supplementation with
8 g of CM 40 min prior to beginning a standardized warm-up and initiating a barbell bench press resistance exercise protocol did not increase exercise performance, alter subjective measures, or augment the muscle swelling response to training in recreationally resistance-trained men. Future research is warranted to further examine the acute effect of CM supplementation on resistance exercise performance, along with the impact on hypertrophy, strength, and performance outcomes following chronic supplementation