Nelson Vergel
Founder, ExcelMale.com
Curated By Nelson Vergel | ExcelMale.com | Updated June 2026
If you train while on TRT, you have almost certainly seen citrulline malate on supplement labels or buried in the ingredient list of a pre-workout powder. Plenty of men in the ExcelMale community take it - and plenty have questions about whether it actually works, what dose matters, and whether it can do anything beyond producing a temporary pump. This guide cuts through the marketing noise and tells you what the research actually says.
Citrulline malate operates through the nitric oxide (NO) pathway - the same biological system that PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil and sildenafil target. For men on TRT, keeping that pathway performing well matters both inside and outside the gym. Better NO production means better blood flow to working muscle, improved vascular tone throughout the day, and - as many men here have reported - meaningful support for erectile function. This article covers the mechanisms, the honest evidence on performance, a practical dosing protocol, and the safety considerations you need to know.
Citrulline malate is formed by bonding L-citrulline - a non-essential amino acid found naturally in watermelon - to malic acid (malate), an organic salt that plays a role in cellular energy production. The most widely used supplement form is the 2:1 ratio, meaning two grams of L-citrulline for every one gram of malate.
After ingestion, L-citrulline travels to the kidneys, where it converts to L-arginine. L-arginine is then the direct substrate for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) - the enzyme that produces nitric oxide in blood vessel walls. Nitric oxide relaxes smooth muscle in arteries and capillaries, increasing blood flow to working muscles, the heart, and other vascular beds.
This pathway explains why citrulline outperforms straight L-arginine supplements for raising circulating NO levels: oral L-arginine is rapidly metabolized in the gut and liver before reaching the bloodstream - a process called first-pass metabolism. Citrulline bypasses that step entirely, making it a far more efficient route to elevated plasma arginine and, downstream, meaningful nitric oxide production.
The malate component adds a separate physiological benefit. Malate is a Krebs cycle intermediate, meaning it actively supports aerobic energy production at the mitochondrial level. Researchers believe this contributes to citrulline malate's effects on endurance and delayed fatigue through a mechanism independent of nitric oxide.
Three proposed mechanisms working in parallel:
Pure L-citrulline and citrulline malate are often discussed as if they are the same product, but they are not identical.
For exercise performance, most clinical research has used 8 g of citrulline malate (2:1), which at that ratio delivers roughly 5.3 g of actual L-citrulline. If you substitute pure L-citrulline, a comparable dose is approximately 3-5 g, but you lose the potential aerobic energy benefit that the malate component provides.
One practical advantage to citrulline malate over pure citrulline: you do not need to load it. ExcelMale members frequently note they feel a measurable pump and performance effect on the first day they take it, whereas pure L-citrulline benefits from a few consecutive days of use to build plasma levels.
A quality control issue worth noting: a 2021 critical review by Gough et al. flagged that commercial citrulline malate products often deliver inaccurate citrulline-to-malate ratios, which may explain some of the inconsistency in research outcomes. If you buy bulk powder, look for a product clearly labeled 2:1 from a supplier that provides a third-party certificate of analysis.
Men on TRT who add citrulline malate to their supplement stack often report better training performance, stronger muscle pumps, and improved sexual function. Here is what the science actually supports - and where the evidence is still incomplete.
The strongest clinical evidence for citrulline malate centers on reducing perceived exertion and post-workout muscle soreness - not necessarily on dramatic increases in raw strength output.
A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis by Rhim et al. in the Journal of Sport and Health Science analyzed 13 randomized controlled trials and found that citrulline supplementation significantly reduced perceived exertion (p = 0.03) and reduced muscle soreness at both 24 and 48 hours post-exercise. The most frequently used dose across the included studies was 8 g of citrulline malate taken prior to training.
Where the evidence gets more complicated is on total performance output - specifically whether citrulline malate increases repetitions to failure or maximal strength. Results here are genuinely mixed. Some trials in resistance-trained men show meaningful gains in reps completed; others, including a well-controlled German Volume Training protocol, found no significant benefit over placebo. A 2022 meta-analysis by Aguiar and Casonatto concluded that citrulline malate may produce modest improvements in muscle strength in resistance-trained adults, but the effect size is not large.
The honest summary: citrulline malate is more reliably useful for reducing fatigue and soreness than for dramatically boosting strength or power output. For men on TRT who train consistently, training with lower perceived effort and recovering faster can translate into more productive volume over weeks and months - even if no single dose adds reps to your bench.
Endurance and team sport athletes also have reason to consider it. A 2024 study by Faria and Egan examined the effects of three days of citrulline malate supplementation on repeated sprint performance in male team sport athletes. A 2025 randomized trial from Hungary found that combined L-arginine and citrulline malate supplementation in trained men produced improvements in aerobic and high-intensity interval performance compared to placebo.
For men focused on cardiovascular health and erectile function, the nitric oxide pathway is where citrulline malate may deliver its most clinically meaningful benefits.
Endothelial NO is essential for vascular health: it relaxes arterial smooth muscle, reduces arterial stiffness, and keeps blood flowing efficiently. As men age - and particularly in men with metabolic risk factors - endothelial NO production tends to decline. TRT improves some aspects of endothelial function, but adding a direct NO substrate like citrulline gives that pathway additional support that complements, rather than duplicates, what testosterone provides.
A narrative review on L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation and blood pressure found that L-citrulline likely lowers blood pressure in the range of 4 to 7 mmHg systolic through NO-mediated vasodilation. Even modest blood pressure reductions from a safe, low-cost supplement matter for men already managing cardiovascular risk.
The erectile function data is where citrulline has some of its most compelling clinical support. A 2011 single-blind trial by Cormio et al. gave 24 men with mild erectile dysfunction either a placebo or 1.5 g of L-citrulline per day for one month. On citrulline, 12 out of 24 men (50%) improved their erection hardness score from "mild" to "normal" - compared to just 2 out of 24 on placebo. The authors concluded that L-citrulline is safe and well-tolerated, and while it is not as potent as a PDE5 inhibitor, it can serve as a useful and lower-risk adjunct, particularly for men with mild vascular-origin ED.
The pharmacological reason citrulline outperforms oral L-arginine for this purpose: citrulline bypasses hepatic first-pass metabolism. Converted to L-arginine in the kidneys, it efficiently drives the L-arginine/NO/cGMP pathway that governs penile smooth muscle relaxation and erection. A 2018 pilot study by Shirai et al. found that L-citrulline combined with transresveratrol improved erectile function in men who were also using PDE5 inhibitors, suggesting a synergistic vascular benefit.
Members in this community have reported noticeable improvements in morning erections and erection quality after beginning citrulline, with several noting the correlation is clear - stop taking it and the benefit fades, restart and it returns. A 2024 pilot study shared on ExcelMale found that a nitric oxide supplement containing L-citrulline and beetroot extract significantly improved nighttime erection intensity and duration in men, as measured by a penile rigidity device during sleep.
One important clarification: citrulline malate does not raise testosterone levels. Its value on TRT comes from supporting the vascular and performance dimensions of hormone optimization, not from any androgenic or endocrine mechanism.
The right dose depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Here is a practical breakdown based on how citrulline malate has been studied:
A few practical considerations most guides leave out:
Citrulline malate is one of the better-tolerated pre-workout supplements available. No serious adverse events have been reported at doses used in clinical trials, and the supplement has a solid safety profile across both short- and longer-term use.
The most common issues at higher doses (above 10 g) are gastrointestinal: nausea, loose stool, or stomach discomfort. Starting at 4-6 g and working up over a week or two lets most men assess their tolerance before committing to the full 8 g pre-workout dose.
Blood pressure effects require monitoring in certain contexts. Citrulline lowers blood pressure modestly through NO-mediated vasodilation. Men already taking antihypertensive medications should introduce it gradually. At least one ExcelMale member reported dizziness when combining even a modest dose of citrulline malate with antihypertensive medication - a blood pressure drop that was the likely cause. Check your blood pressure for a few days after starting if you are on BP meds.
Regarding PDE5 inhibitors: citrulline and tadalafil or sildenafil both support blood flow but through complementary pathways. Combining them is generally considered safe and may be synergistic for erectile function. The important caution is for men taking nitrate medications for heart conditions - those should never be combined with PDE5 inhibitors, and citrulline adds further vasodilation that could produce dangerous hypotension in that context.
A note on creatinine on your blood panel: L-citrulline raises plasma L-arginine, and L-arginine is a precursor for creatine synthesis. There is pharmacological evidence that elevated L-arginine can increase tubular secretion of creatinine, which may slightly elevate your serum creatinine on a blood test without reflecting true kidney impairment. If you track your creatinine on TRT labs and you are taking citrulline consistently, mention it to your provider to avoid unnecessary concern over a mildly elevated value.
For most men on TRT who train regularly, yes - with realistic expectations. Citrulline malate reliably reduces muscle soreness and perceived effort during training, which can improve training consistency over weeks. It also supports vascular health through the NO pathway, complementing what testosterone does without overlapping it. It will not replace a well-designed training program or a properly calibrated hormone protocol, but at the cost of bulk powder (often $25-35 per kilogram from reputable brands), the risk-benefit ratio is clearly favorable for most men.
It can, particularly for men with mild ED linked to vascular causes. The primary clinical evidence (Cormio et al., 2011) used 1.5 g per day of pure L-citrulline - not specifically citrulline malate - and showed erection hardness improved in half of participants with mild ED. Citrulline works through the same NO/cGMP pathway that PDE5 inhibitors use, but produces a gentler, more sustained effect. For mild vascular ED, it is a reasonable low-cost addition to a protocol that may already include daily tadalafil and TRT. For moderate-to-severe ED or non-vascular causes, citrulline alone will not be sufficient - consult with your prescriber about appropriate combination therapy.
Based on the majority of positive research, 6-8 g of citrulline malate in a 2:1 ratio taken 60 minutes before training is the most evidence-supported pre-workout dose. Going above 8 g does not appear to produce additional performance benefit based on current data, and higher doses increase the likelihood of GI discomfort. If you are new to it, start at 4-6 g for the first week to assess your tolerance, then step up to the full dose. Mix it into a flavored drink - the sour taste at higher doses can be significant in plain water.
Citrulline malate is a well-studied, low-risk supplement that supports nitric oxide production through a more efficient route than L-arginine alone. For men on TRT, that matters in two distinct ways: in the gym, it reliably reduces perceived effort and post-workout soreness, enabling better training consistency over time; outside the gym, it supports endothelial function, modest blood pressure control, and - particularly for those with vascular-origin ED - meaningful improvements in erectile quality.
The evidence is genuinely mixed on raw strength output and total reps, so go in with appropriate expectations. But as an affordable, safe addition to a daily NO support regimen or as a pre-workout staple, citrulline malate earns its place in a TRT-focused supplement stack.
For related reading in the ExcelMale library, explore the sexual health subforum for broader ED management strategies, and check out discussions on building a simplified nitric oxide stack that combines citrulline malate with complementary compounds.
If you train while on TRT, you have almost certainly seen citrulline malate on supplement labels or buried in the ingredient list of a pre-workout powder. Plenty of men in the ExcelMale community take it - and plenty have questions about whether it actually works, what dose matters, and whether it can do anything beyond producing a temporary pump. This guide cuts through the marketing noise and tells you what the research actually says.
Citrulline malate operates through the nitric oxide (NO) pathway - the same biological system that PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil and sildenafil target. For men on TRT, keeping that pathway performing well matters both inside and outside the gym. Better NO production means better blood flow to working muscle, improved vascular tone throughout the day, and - as many men here have reported - meaningful support for erectile function. This article covers the mechanisms, the honest evidence on performance, a practical dosing protocol, and the safety considerations you need to know.
What Is Citrulline Malate and How Does It Work?
Citrulline malate is formed by bonding L-citrulline - a non-essential amino acid found naturally in watermelon - to malic acid (malate), an organic salt that plays a role in cellular energy production. The most widely used supplement form is the 2:1 ratio, meaning two grams of L-citrulline for every one gram of malate.
After ingestion, L-citrulline travels to the kidneys, where it converts to L-arginine. L-arginine is then the direct substrate for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) - the enzyme that produces nitric oxide in blood vessel walls. Nitric oxide relaxes smooth muscle in arteries and capillaries, increasing blood flow to working muscles, the heart, and other vascular beds.
This pathway explains why citrulline outperforms straight L-arginine supplements for raising circulating NO levels: oral L-arginine is rapidly metabolized in the gut and liver before reaching the bloodstream - a process called first-pass metabolism. Citrulline bypasses that step entirely, making it a far more efficient route to elevated plasma arginine and, downstream, meaningful nitric oxide production.
The malate component adds a separate physiological benefit. Malate is a Krebs cycle intermediate, meaning it actively supports aerobic energy production at the mitochondrial level. Researchers believe this contributes to citrulline malate's effects on endurance and delayed fatigue through a mechanism independent of nitric oxide.
Three proposed mechanisms working in parallel:
- Increased NO production - vasodilation and improved blood delivery to active muscle
- Improved ammonia clearance - reduced accumulation of the metabolic byproduct linked to early fatigue during intense exercise
- Enhanced aerobic energy via malate - direct support for mitochondrial ATP synthesis through the Krebs cycle
Citrulline vs. Citrulline Malate - Which Is Better?
Pure L-citrulline and citrulline malate are often discussed as if they are the same product, but they are not identical.
For exercise performance, most clinical research has used 8 g of citrulline malate (2:1), which at that ratio delivers roughly 5.3 g of actual L-citrulline. If you substitute pure L-citrulline, a comparable dose is approximately 3-5 g, but you lose the potential aerobic energy benefit that the malate component provides.
One practical advantage to citrulline malate over pure citrulline: you do not need to load it. ExcelMale members frequently note they feel a measurable pump and performance effect on the first day they take it, whereas pure L-citrulline benefits from a few consecutive days of use to build plasma levels.
A quality control issue worth noting: a 2021 critical review by Gough et al. flagged that commercial citrulline malate products often deliver inaccurate citrulline-to-malate ratios, which may explain some of the inconsistency in research outcomes. If you buy bulk powder, look for a product clearly labeled 2:1 from a supplier that provides a third-party certificate of analysis.
Benefits of Citrulline Malate for Men on TRT
Men on TRT who add citrulline malate to their supplement stack often report better training performance, stronger muscle pumps, and improved sexual function. Here is what the science actually supports - and where the evidence is still incomplete.
Performance and Endurance - What the Studies Actually Show
The strongest clinical evidence for citrulline malate centers on reducing perceived exertion and post-workout muscle soreness - not necessarily on dramatic increases in raw strength output.
A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis by Rhim et al. in the Journal of Sport and Health Science analyzed 13 randomized controlled trials and found that citrulline supplementation significantly reduced perceived exertion (p = 0.03) and reduced muscle soreness at both 24 and 48 hours post-exercise. The most frequently used dose across the included studies was 8 g of citrulline malate taken prior to training.
Where the evidence gets more complicated is on total performance output - specifically whether citrulline malate increases repetitions to failure or maximal strength. Results here are genuinely mixed. Some trials in resistance-trained men show meaningful gains in reps completed; others, including a well-controlled German Volume Training protocol, found no significant benefit over placebo. A 2022 meta-analysis by Aguiar and Casonatto concluded that citrulline malate may produce modest improvements in muscle strength in resistance-trained adults, but the effect size is not large.
The honest summary: citrulline malate is more reliably useful for reducing fatigue and soreness than for dramatically boosting strength or power output. For men on TRT who train consistently, training with lower perceived effort and recovering faster can translate into more productive volume over weeks and months - even if no single dose adds reps to your bench.
Endurance and team sport athletes also have reason to consider it. A 2024 study by Faria and Egan examined the effects of three days of citrulline malate supplementation on repeated sprint performance in male team sport athletes. A 2025 randomized trial from Hungary found that combined L-arginine and citrulline malate supplementation in trained men produced improvements in aerobic and high-intensity interval performance compared to placebo.
Blood Pressure, Nitric Oxide, and Erectile Function
For men focused on cardiovascular health and erectile function, the nitric oxide pathway is where citrulline malate may deliver its most clinically meaningful benefits.
Endothelial NO is essential for vascular health: it relaxes arterial smooth muscle, reduces arterial stiffness, and keeps blood flowing efficiently. As men age - and particularly in men with metabolic risk factors - endothelial NO production tends to decline. TRT improves some aspects of endothelial function, but adding a direct NO substrate like citrulline gives that pathway additional support that complements, rather than duplicates, what testosterone provides.
A narrative review on L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation and blood pressure found that L-citrulline likely lowers blood pressure in the range of 4 to 7 mmHg systolic through NO-mediated vasodilation. Even modest blood pressure reductions from a safe, low-cost supplement matter for men already managing cardiovascular risk.
The erectile function data is where citrulline has some of its most compelling clinical support. A 2011 single-blind trial by Cormio et al. gave 24 men with mild erectile dysfunction either a placebo or 1.5 g of L-citrulline per day for one month. On citrulline, 12 out of 24 men (50%) improved their erection hardness score from "mild" to "normal" - compared to just 2 out of 24 on placebo. The authors concluded that L-citrulline is safe and well-tolerated, and while it is not as potent as a PDE5 inhibitor, it can serve as a useful and lower-risk adjunct, particularly for men with mild vascular-origin ED.
The pharmacological reason citrulline outperforms oral L-arginine for this purpose: citrulline bypasses hepatic first-pass metabolism. Converted to L-arginine in the kidneys, it efficiently drives the L-arginine/NO/cGMP pathway that governs penile smooth muscle relaxation and erection. A 2018 pilot study by Shirai et al. found that L-citrulline combined with transresveratrol improved erectile function in men who were also using PDE5 inhibitors, suggesting a synergistic vascular benefit.
Members in this community have reported noticeable improvements in morning erections and erection quality after beginning citrulline, with several noting the correlation is clear - stop taking it and the benefit fades, restart and it returns. A 2024 pilot study shared on ExcelMale found that a nitric oxide supplement containing L-citrulline and beetroot extract significantly improved nighttime erection intensity and duration in men, as measured by a penile rigidity device during sleep.
One important clarification: citrulline malate does not raise testosterone levels. Its value on TRT comes from supporting the vascular and performance dimensions of hormone optimization, not from any androgenic or endocrine mechanism.
Citrulline Malate Dosing Protocol
How Much and When to Take It
The right dose depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Here is a practical breakdown based on how citrulline malate has been studied:
| Goal | Dose | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-workout performance | 6-8 g CM (2:1) | 60 min before training |
| Vascular / NO support | 3-5 g CM daily | Morning or with meals |
| Erectile function support | 1.5-3 g L-citrulline (or 3-6 g CM) | Daily, consistently |
A few practical considerations most guides leave out:
- Timing matters. Plasma citrulline peaks roughly 60 to 90 minutes after ingestion. Taking it 60 minutes before your workout aligns with that window. Taking it right before you walk in the door does not.
- Consistency over single-dose stacking. Many ExcelMale members see better vascular results from a moderate daily dose than from taking a large dose only on training days. The NO system benefits from sustained substrate availability.
- The taste reality. Citrulline malate powder is noticeably sour - similar to the malic acid used in sour candy. Mixing it into a flavored shake or adding stevia makes it palatable. Capsule form sidesteps the taste issue entirely.
- Combining with L-arginine. Adding 1-3 g of L-arginine alongside citrulline malate may produce a synergistic effect on plasma arginine and NO levels. Research by Schwedhelm et al. confirms the complementary pharmacokinetics. Several members use a simplified NO stack along these lines.
- Hydration. Citrulline is a vasodilator. Being adequately hydrated before and during training amplifies the pump effect and helps prevent dizziness at higher doses, particularly in men who also use antihypertensives.
Side Effects and Safety
Citrulline malate is one of the better-tolerated pre-workout supplements available. No serious adverse events have been reported at doses used in clinical trials, and the supplement has a solid safety profile across both short- and longer-term use.
The most common issues at higher doses (above 10 g) are gastrointestinal: nausea, loose stool, or stomach discomfort. Starting at 4-6 g and working up over a week or two lets most men assess their tolerance before committing to the full 8 g pre-workout dose.
Blood pressure effects require monitoring in certain contexts. Citrulline lowers blood pressure modestly through NO-mediated vasodilation. Men already taking antihypertensive medications should introduce it gradually. At least one ExcelMale member reported dizziness when combining even a modest dose of citrulline malate with antihypertensive medication - a blood pressure drop that was the likely cause. Check your blood pressure for a few days after starting if you are on BP meds.
Regarding PDE5 inhibitors: citrulline and tadalafil or sildenafil both support blood flow but through complementary pathways. Combining them is generally considered safe and may be synergistic for erectile function. The important caution is for men taking nitrate medications for heart conditions - those should never be combined with PDE5 inhibitors, and citrulline adds further vasodilation that could produce dangerous hypotension in that context.
A note on creatinine on your blood panel: L-citrulline raises plasma L-arginine, and L-arginine is a precursor for creatine synthesis. There is pharmacological evidence that elevated L-arginine can increase tubular secretion of creatinine, which may slightly elevate your serum creatinine on a blood test without reflecting true kidney impairment. If you track your creatinine on TRT labs and you are taking citrulline consistently, mention it to your provider to avoid unnecessary concern over a mildly elevated value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Citrulline Malate Worth Taking on TRT?
For most men on TRT who train regularly, yes - with realistic expectations. Citrulline malate reliably reduces muscle soreness and perceived effort during training, which can improve training consistency over weeks. It also supports vascular health through the NO pathway, complementing what testosterone does without overlapping it. It will not replace a well-designed training program or a properly calibrated hormone protocol, but at the cost of bulk powder (often $25-35 per kilogram from reputable brands), the risk-benefit ratio is clearly favorable for most men.
Can Citrulline Malate Help with ED?
It can, particularly for men with mild ED linked to vascular causes. The primary clinical evidence (Cormio et al., 2011) used 1.5 g per day of pure L-citrulline - not specifically citrulline malate - and showed erection hardness improved in half of participants with mild ED. Citrulline works through the same NO/cGMP pathway that PDE5 inhibitors use, but produces a gentler, more sustained effect. For mild vascular ED, it is a reasonable low-cost addition to a protocol that may already include daily tadalafil and TRT. For moderate-to-severe ED or non-vascular causes, citrulline alone will not be sufficient - consult with your prescriber about appropriate combination therapy.
What Is the Best Dose of Citrulline Malate Before a Workout?
Based on the majority of positive research, 6-8 g of citrulline malate in a 2:1 ratio taken 60 minutes before training is the most evidence-supported pre-workout dose. Going above 8 g does not appear to produce additional performance benefit based on current data, and higher doses increase the likelihood of GI discomfort. If you are new to it, start at 4-6 g for the first week to assess your tolerance, then step up to the full dose. Mix it into a flavored drink - the sour taste at higher doses can be significant in plain water.
Conclusion and What to Read Next
Citrulline malate is a well-studied, low-risk supplement that supports nitric oxide production through a more efficient route than L-arginine alone. For men on TRT, that matters in two distinct ways: in the gym, it reliably reduces perceived effort and post-workout soreness, enabling better training consistency over time; outside the gym, it supports endothelial function, modest blood pressure control, and - particularly for those with vascular-origin ED - meaningful improvements in erectile quality.
The evidence is genuinely mixed on raw strength output and total reps, so go in with appropriate expectations. But as an affordable, safe addition to a daily NO support regimen or as a pre-workout staple, citrulline malate earns its place in a TRT-focused supplement stack.
For related reading in the ExcelMale library, explore the sexual health subforum for broader ED management strategies, and check out discussions on building a simplified nitric oxide stack that combines citrulline malate with complementary compounds.
Related ExcelMale Forum Discussions
- A Critical Review of Citrulline Malate Supplementation and Exercise Performance - Deep-dive into the research literature on citrulline malate efficacy, dosing, and limitations.
- Citrulline the New Star for Increasing Nitric Oxide - Community discussion and research thread covering how citrulline compares to arginine for NO production.
- L-Citrulline and BeetRoot Supplement Improves Nighttime Erections - Pilot study data showing that a nitric oxide supplement containing citrulline improved nighttime erection intensity and duration.
- L-Citrulline - Another Good Feedback - Member experiences correlating daily citrulline use with improved morning erections and erectile quality.
- L-Citrulline Supports Vascular and Muscular Benefits of Exercise Training in Older Adults - Research-backed thread on how citrulline supports both vascular function and muscle protein synthesis in aging men.
- Does Anyone Use L-Citrulline DL-Malate 2:1? - Member discussion comparing forms, brands, and protocols for citrulline malate supplementation.
- Can You Overdo L-Citrulline DL-Malate 2:1? - Practical thread covering high-dose tolerance, taste, blood pressure effects, and lab marker considerations.
- The Effects of Oral L-Arginine and L-Citrulline Supplementation on Blood Pressure - Review of evidence showing citrulline may lower systolic blood pressure by 4-7 mmHg via endothelial nitric oxide.
- I Simplified My Nitric Oxide Stack - Member protocol using citrulline malate as the foundation of a streamlined daily NO supplement regimen.
- Erection Supplements - Do They Work to Improve ED? - Comprehensive ExcelMale resource covering citrulline, arginine, PDE5 inhibitors, and their relative roles in erectile function.
Key References
- Gough LA, Sparks SA, McNaughton LR, et al. A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021;121(12):3283-3295. DOI
- Rhim HC, Kim SJ, Park J, Jang KM. Effect of citrulline on post-exercise rating of perceived exertion, muscle soreness, and blood lactate levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sport Health Sci. 2020;9(6):553-561. DOI
- Cormio L, De Siati M, Lorusso F, et al. Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction. Urology. 2011;77(1):119-122. DOI
- Gonzalez AM, Townsend JR, Pinzone AG, Hoffman JR. Supplementation with nitric oxide precursors for strength performance: a review of the current literature. Nutrients. 2023;15(3):660. DOI
- Aguiar AF, Casonatto J. Effects of citrulline malate supplementation on muscle strength in resistance-trained adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Diet Suppl. 2022;19(6):772-790. DOI
- Faria VS, Egan B. Effects of 3 days of citrulline malate supplementation on short-duration repeated sprint running performance in male team sport athletes. Eur J Sport Sci. 2024. DOI
- Schwedhelm E, Maas R, Freese R, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine: impact on nitric oxide metabolism. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2008;65(1):51-59. DOI
- Shirai M, Hiramatsu I, Aoki Y, et al. Oral L-citrulline and transresveratrol supplementation improves erectile function in men with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study. Sex Med. 2018;6(4):291-296. DOI
- Bendahan D, Mattei JP, Ghattas B, et al. Citrulline/malate promotes aerobic energy production in human exercising muscle. Br J Sports Med. 2002;36(4):282-289. DOI
- Lucena F, Onody P, Szabo A, et al. Acute effects of combined supplementation of L-arginine and citrulline malate on aerobic, anaerobic, and CrossFit exercise performance. Sci Rep. 2025;15:33067. DOI
