Expert's opinion
The article is a subjective view on this topic written by writers specializing in medical writing.
It may reflect on a personal journey surrounding struggles with an illness or medical condition, involve product comparisons, diet considerations, or other health-related opinions.
Although the view is entirely that of the writer, it is based on academic experiences and scientific research they have conducted; it is fact-checked by a team of degreed medical experts, and validated by sources attached to the article.
The numbers in parenthesis (1,2,3) will take you to clickable links to related scientific papers.
Best L-Citrulline Supplement 2024: Top Citrulline Malate Reviews
Updated on
- Written by Mitchelle Morgan, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by
Melissa Mitri, MS, RD
All articles are produced independently. When you click our links for purchasing products, we earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about how we earn revenue by reading our advertise disclaimer.
Transparent Labs L-Citrulline Fermented
- Increases endurance capacity during workouts
- It contains Leucine, which is perfect for reducing the rate of muscle degradation.
- This product boosts plasma arginine levels in the body.
Jacked Factory N.O. XT Nitric Oxide Booster
- Increases nitric oxide production for endurance.
- It enhances blood flow to the muscles during training.
- L- citrulline improves nutrient delivery to working muscles.
BulkSupplements L-Citrulline Powder
- L- citrulline is best for boosting weight training performance
- Citrulline supplements are Good for improving sexual endurance and wellness
- The manufacturer adheres to the set cGMP standards when making citrulline supplementation
Have you ever thought of taking supplements to boost your workout performance?
L-citrulline amino acids and Citrulline Malate are ideal supplements for weight training and better health. Both forms are said to provide similar benefits. Still, fitness experts purport that Citrulline Malate may have a faster absorption rate and bioavailability in the body (a.k.a. you can enjoy the benefits sooner after taking it).
While L-citrulline production occurs naturally in the body, an additional citrulline supplement may enhance body performance.
Here is a review of the five best L-citrulline supplements for your health and wellness. All the supplements follow Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) set standards and contain only pure ingredients. L-citrulline supplementation has many positive effects, including wider blood vessels leading to better blood flow.
Best L-Citrulline & Citrulline Malate Supplements On The Market In (May. 2024)
- Transparent Labs L-Citrulline Fermented – Editor’s Choice
- Jacked Factory N.O. XT Nitric Oxide Booster – Best for Boosting Workout Endurance
- BulkSupplements L-Citrulline Powder – Best for Better Sexual Health
- NOW Sports L-Citrulline – Best for Improved Immune System Health
- Wolverine Citrulline Malate – Best for Post-Workout Recovery
5 Best L-Citrulline Supplements In 2024
Transparent Labs L-Citrulline Fermented
The supplement boosts your energy levels and helps you push through workouts. Thanks to less fatigue during weight training sessions, you can see muscle gains after some time.
- Increases endurance capacity during workouts
- It contains leucine, which may reduce the rate of muscle degradation.
- This product boosts plasma arginine levels in the body.
- It can lead to better muscle growth.
- No added ingredients or flavorings.
- It has a strong taste that makes it hard to swallow.
- The product tends to foam when you mix it with water.
The supplement checks numerous boxes, including improving performance[1] and focus. L-tyrosine is among the product’s ingredients that boost mental focus and lessen stress. Taking it pre-workout and during sessions can help keep you going and render you more capable of handling repetitions.
The supplement contains valine, another amino acid that is great to take before weight training. Not only does it boost muscle growth, but it also increases metabolism.[2]
Unlike caffeine, this supplement can provide more mental focus and endurance[3] but won’t lead to a crash afterward. You can have mental focus leading to effective productivity in the gym. Take 1 scoop mixed with 8 to 10 ounces of water. Drink the supplement half an hour before your training session.
Jacked Factory N.O. XT Nitric Oxide Booster
Jacked Factory N.O. XT L-citrulline is a great booster that makes it easy to power through workouts. Taking it may help increase endurance and delay workout fatigue.
- It enhances muscle blood flow during training.
- L-citrulline improves nutrient delivery to working tissue muscles.
- It delays fatigue in the gym during training sessions.
- Increases nitric oxide production for pumps and endurance
- It slows down the heartbeat and may be dangerous for those with low blood pressure
- The supplement can lead to dizziness
The product is made in the US at a facility that aims to maintain the highest standards. It contains energy-boosting ingredients like L-arginine, an amino acid in its most potent form. This is an effective nitric oxide supplement suitable for all genders.
Heart health is a top priority for the manufacturer as this product supports all body functions necessary during workouts. Among the benefits of consistent use are its energy-boosting[4] properties and ability to stimulate muscle growth.[5] It achieves these by supporting an anabolic environment for muscle building.
BulkSupplements L-Citrulline Powder
The L-citrulline in the supplement powder is a non-essential amino acid that your body requires to manufacture nitric oxide. Nitric oxide gives you better blood flow and circulation. It’s also an excellent boost for your immune system and overall health and wellness.
- It’s a gluten-free, soy-free, yeast-free, and dairy-free product.
- There are no added additives or sugars.
- L-citrulline is best for boosting weight training performance
- Citrulline supplements are good for improving sexual endurance and wellness
- The manufacturer adheres to the set cGMP standards when making citrulline supplementation
- It can cause diarrhea.
- Packaging needs improvement as it leads to spillage
The supplement is among the best citrulline supplements you can take to improve cardiovascular health. It supports better blood flow and circulation[6], which may support healthy blood pressure. In addition, taking the L-citrulline oral supplementation can work to your advantage during workouts to improve performance.
L Arginine can come in handy if you are a bodybuilder or athlete to work out harder and longer. Consuming arginine helps you spend more time being productive in the gym and also may reduce muscle fatigue. Plus, it may provide an added benefit of better sexual health[7] and a solution for mild erectile dysfunction.
The L-citrulline malate powder is a pre-vegan workout supplement made using pure and healthy ingredients. It’s free of artificial ingredients, additives, and fillers that may affect your health. And the manufacturer has an in-house lab where extensive product quality check happens.
You can take the best L-citrulline supplement with a smoothie, almond milk, water, or healthy juice. Take 3 gms or ½ tbsp once or twice daily.
NOW Sports L-Citrulline
These L-citrulline tablets are an effective supplement to take pre-workout and during the training sessions. It leads to a high energy boost necessary to endure long and demanding workouts in the gym.
- The capsules have more L-citrulline.
- The L-citrulline acts as an intermediate in the urea cycle
- The dietary supplements boost the immune system
- This product has GMP certification for good manufacturing practices
- The citrulline powder in the capsules is keto-friendly
- The tablets are big for those with swallowing problems.
- It takes time to get accustomed to the taste
The oral L-citrulline supplementation tablets are suitable for taking pre-workout, training, and post-workout. One tablet contains 1200 mg of citrulline which the body needs for extra strength. This non-essential amino acid promotes nitric oxide production that is crucial[8] for important processes in the body, such as removing waste products.
The purpose of the non-essential amino acid L-citrulline is to team up with other amino acids to remove ammonia from the body. Ammonia is a by-product of protein synthesis[9] or protein metabolism. Doing this may boost your immune system function, leading to better health and wellness.
NOW Sports L-citrulline supplement has undergone thorough third-party testing to ascertain its quality. As a result, the product is GMP-certified and has good stability and potency. Regardless, always remember to consult with a doctor before taking dietary supplements, especially if you’re taking blood pressure medication.
Take only as directed, 1 tablet a maximum of 2 times daily for best results. This can help the body with post-workout recovery, better blood flow, and focus.
Swolverine Citrulline Malate
The Citrulline Malate is ideal for better nitric oxide production in the body. It also plays a hand in nitric oxide metabolism leading to better endurance during weight training.
- The L-citrulline malate promotes nitric oxide production
- It enhances oxygen and blood flow to the muscle tissue during training.
- This L-citrulline supplement leads to dilated blood vessels
- It boosts faster recovery post-workout.
- It’s good to mix with water and other low-calorie drinks.
- Not suitable for pregnant or nursing women.
- It’s not good to mix with blood pressure medication.
The body can release lots of essential nitric oxide when taking Swolverine Citrulline Malate. This is essential because it enhances blood flow[10] to the muscle tissue and boosts oxygen levels. This can help athletes or those performing weight training enjoy better endurance with less training fatigue.
In addition, the L-citrulline supplementation is ideal for taking post-workout[11] to enhance recovery. It widens or dilates your blood vessels, thereby boosting blood flow. The more blood pumps to your muscles, the faster the delivery of macronutrients is needed.
This product can work well for folks with blood pressure issues, but always consult a physician before starting. Each serving of Swolverine Citrulline Malate contains 5 grams of L-citrulline.
What Does An L-Citrulline Supplement Do?
L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that your body produces naturally. It’s also found in some types of food. However, if you’re not producing enough in the body or consuming enough in your diet, L-citrulline is also found in supplement form.
Citrulline is involved in crucial bodily roles such as the urea cycle, preventing harmful ammonia buildup. However, some believe taking L-citrulline and Citrulline Malate supplements will increase performance and endurance in the gym.
Who Should Take The L-Citrulline Supplement?
Folks who can take L-citrulline are those doing weight training and athletes. Since L-citrulline can trigger nitric oxide production, it may also support healthy blood pressure. But, only do so after consulting a health physician.
Read on to learn whether you should consider taking L-citrulline and Citrulline Malate supplements. Always speak with your dietitian and doctor first before consuming, especially if you’re taking blood pressure medication.
How We Ranked The Best L-Citrulline Supplement
The ranking of the 5 best L-citrulline supplements is based on performance-enhancing levels.
While all products benefit the body in terms of blood flow and better performance, Jacked Factory N.O. XT Nitric Oxide Booster beats the rest. It contains essential ingredients such as L Arginine with a high potency level.
It’s important only to take the best L-citrulline supplements to boost your bodily functions. These can be crucial in improving blood flow and increasing weight training endurance. The best L-citrulline also ideally contains no additives or artificial flavorings.
Benefits Of L-Citrulline
Boosts Blood Flow
Nitric oxide is essential to the body because it helps increase blood flow. When you take L-citrulline supplements, it boosts nitric oxide production. This, in turn, leads to increased blood flow in the body during training sessions.
Some evidence also suggests[12] that increasing nitric oxide may support healthy blood pressure levels. in those with high blood pressure and heart disease.
Improves Exercise Endurance And Muscle Growth
It’s possible to experience an increase in Growth Hormone (GH) when taking L-citrulline after training. In one study[13], professional cyclists increased Growth Hormone after taking 6 g of L-citrulline malate. This is crucial when you want to experience muscle growth and exercise endurance.
Endurance is possible due to increased oxygen levels in the muscles but requires a consistent intake of citrulline malate or L-citrulline supplements. For example, one study[14] showed a 12% increase in performance endurance because of L-citrulline supplementation.
Another study[15] was done involving a group of 40 men performing bench presses. After taking 8 grams of citrulline malate, the results showed that they could do 53% more repetitions. Also, they experienced a 40% decline in soreness 2 days after the session.
Decreases Blood Pressure
Folks with high blood pressure using L-citrulline benefit from decreased blood pressure. In one study,[16] 12 participants with normal blood pressure saw a 6 to 16% decrease in blood pressure. In 7 days, they took oral L-citrulline 3 gm/day.
While this is a significant decline in blood pressure, this effect may be more significant in those with high blood pressure. Folks with normal pressure may still benefit from increased blood flow for exercise endurance, however.
High blood pressure causes illnesses such as heart disease. Therefore, consuming L-citrulline supplements also support optimal cardiovascular health as part of a comprehensive health plan.
Promotes Better Sexual Performance
Men with mild erectile dysfunction can also take L-citrulline capsules for better sexual performance.
In one study, the participants were experiencing low blood flow to the genitals. However, taking 800 mg/day of L-citrulline and 300 milligrams of transresveratrol opened the blood vessels. With better blood flow to the genitals, it’s possible to improve symptoms of mild erection dysfunction.
Relieves Muscle Soreness
A huge hindrance to effective weight training is muscle soreness that can ensue; however, when you take Citrulline Malate, chances are you’ll be good to go in 48 hours. This means muscle soreness won’t disrupt your set weight training schedule.
Citrulline Malate may result in a faster recovery. In one study[17], 41 men took part in two separate weight training sessions. The group took 8 grams of Citrulline Malate during 2 training sessions. During the 3rd, they got a placebo.
Those taking Citrulline Malate achieved a 52.92% increase in endurance during the repetitions. In 48 hours, they had a 40% reduction in muscle soreness. This showed that Citrulline Malate is beneficial when you want to reduce muscle fatigue.
How Much L-Citrulline Should I Take?
L-citrulline is generally safe to take every day. However, taking only 3 to 6 grams of L-citrulline every 24 hours is better. If taking Citrulline Malate, up to 8 grams every 24 hours has been deemed safe in the research.
There’s a difference in dosage for both citrulline supplementation. You get 1 gram of Citrulline from 1.75 grams of citrulline Malat; then the remainder is solely malate. Still, there can be varying doses depending on the activity or use.
If the goal is to reduce blood pressure, you can increase blood flow by taking 3 to 6 grams of L-citrulline every 24 hours. However, improving the oxygen levels in muscles may require a larger dose of 6 to 8 grams of L-citrulline per day. It is only recommended to be on this dose for up to 7 days.
Most folks take L-citrulline supplements when weight training. You can take 8 grams of Citrulline Malate, which gives you 4.5 grams of L-citrulline. This is a good dose for effective weight training sessions with better recovery post-workout.
Final Thought
L-citrulline and Citrulline Malate supplements can come in handy during training. Daily consumption in the recommended dosage leads to wider blood vessels that can boost blood flow.
You can also have a better endurance level during weight training. It helps relieve muscle soreness and gets you back] to the best physical shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s better to take L-citrulline Malate. It increases nitric oxide levels and also boosts L Arginine in the body. It also helps promote proper energy output from malic acid, which benefits weight trainers. But, if this isn’t your goal, you can take L-citrulline pre-workout supplements for better blood flow in the body. Always consider why you want to take the Citrulline supplements before deciding.
The best brand of L-citrulline is Jacked Factory N.O. XT L-citrulline. Taking it helps increase endurance and delay workout fatigue. It’s a good booster for nitric oxide and has a positive effect on blood flow in the body
Yes, you can take L-citrulline every day. However, ensure you follow the recommended dosage for each product. Check the label or speak with your physician before beginning L-citrulline supplementation.
L-citrulline increases blood flow to the genitals and can help resolve mild erectile dysfunction. In such cases, take 3000 milligrams of L-citrulline every day for a week. L-citrulline helps improve weight training performance which is good for weight loss.
L-citrulline can help you lose weight by increasing your endurance levels during weight training sessions. It’s also a great way to boost body metabolism and cause more fat burn.
+ 17 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- Suzuki, T., Morita, M., Kobayashi, Y., & Kamimura, A. (2016). Oral L-citrulline supplementation enhances cycling time trial performance in healthy trained men: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled 2-way crossover study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 13, 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0117-z
- Villareal, M. O., Matsukawa, T., & Isoda, H. (2018). L-Citrulline Supplementation-Increased Skeletal Muscle PGC-1α Expression is Associated With Exercise Performance and Increased Skeletal Muscle Weight. Molecular nutrition & food research, 62(14), e1701043. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201701043
- Lee, K. E., & Kang, Y. S. (2017). Characteristics of L-citrulline transport through blood-brain barrier in the brain capillary endothelial cell line (TR-BBB cells). Journal of biomedical science, 24(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-017-0336-x
- Aguayo E, Martínez-Sánchez A, Fernández-Lobato B, Alacid F. L-Citrulline: A Non-Essential Amino Acid with Important Roles in Human Health. Applied Sciences. 2021; 11(7):3293. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11073293
- Stanelle, S. T., McLaughlin, K. L., & Crouse, S. F. (2020). One Week of L-Citrulline Supplementation Improves Performance in Trained Cyclists. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 34(3), 647–652. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003418
- Allerton, T. D., Proctor, D. N., Stephens, J. M., Dugas, T. R., Spielmann, G., & Irving, B. A. (2018). l-Citrulline Supplementation: Impact on Cardiometabolic Health. Nutrients, 10(7), 921. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10070921
- Shirai M, Hiramatsu I, Aoki Y, Shimoyama H, Mizuno T, Nozaki T, Fukuhara S, Iwasa A, Kageyama S, Tsujimura A. 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 Dec;6(4):291-296. DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2018.07.001. Epub 2018 Aug 24. PMID: 30150102; PMCID: PMC6302103.
- Tanaka, K., Nakamura, K., Matsumoto, S., Kido, J., Mitsubuchi, H., Ohura, T., & Endo, F. (2017). Citrulline for urea cycle disorders in Japan. Pediatrics international: official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society, 59(4), 422–426. https://doi.org/10.1111/ped.13163
- Olde Damink, S. W., Jalan, R., Redhead, D. N., Hayes, P. C., Deutz, N. E., & Soeters, P. B. (2002). Interorgan ammonia and amino acid metabolism in metabolically stable patients with cirrhosis and a TIPSS. Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.), 36(5), 1163–1171. https://doi.org/10.1053/jhep.2002.36497
- Ashley, J., Kim, Y., & Gonzales, J. U. (2018). Impact of l-citrulline supplementation on oxygen uptake kinetics during walking. Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolism, 43(6), 631–637. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2017-0696
- Rhim, H. C., Kim, S. J., Park, J., & Jang, K. M. (2020). Effect of citrulline on post-exercise rating of perceived exertion, muscle soreness, and blood lactate levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of sport and health science, 9(6), 553–561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.02.003
- Barkhidarian, B., Khorshidi, M., Shab-Bidar, S., & Hashemi, B. (2019). Effects of L-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 9(1), 10–20.
- Sureda, A., Córdova, A., Ferrer, M. D., Pérez, G., Tur, J. A., & Pons, A. (2010). L-citrulline-malate influence over branched chain amino acid utilization during exercise. European journal of applied physiology, 110(2), 341–351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1509-4
- Bailey, S. J., Blackwell, J. R., Lord, T., Vanhatalo, A., Winyard, P. G., & Jones, A. M. (2015). l-Citrulline supplementation improves O2 uptake kinetics and high-intensity exercise performance in humans. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md.: 1985), 119(4), 385–395. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00192.2014
- Pérez-Guisado, J., & Jakeman, P. M. (2010). Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 24(5), 1215–1222. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cb28e0
- Alsop, P., & Hauton, D. (2016). Oral nitrate and citrulline decrease blood pressure and increase vascular conductance in young adults: a potential therapy for heart failure. European journal of applied physiology, 116(9), 1651–1661. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3418-7
- Farney, T. M., Bliss, M. V., Hearon, C. M., & Salazar, D. A. (2019). The Effect of Citrulline Malate Supplementation on Muscle Fatigue Among Healthy Participants. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 33(9), 2464–2470. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002356
Written by:
Mitchelle Morgan, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
