Evidence supporting the use of: Citrulline
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Citrulline, particularly in the form of L-citrulline or citrulline malate, has gained popularity as a supplement to support athletic performance and exercise endurance. The scientific rationale is based on citrulline’s role in the urea cycle and its capacity to increase plasma arginine levels, thereby enhancing nitric oxide (NO) production. Increased NO is believed to improve blood flow, oxygen delivery, and nutrient transport to muscles during exercise, potentially reducing fatigue and enhancing performance.

Several small randomized controlled trials have investigated citrulline’s effects on exercise outcomes. Some studies demonstrate moderate improvements in aerobic performance, increased repetitions during resistance training, and reduced muscle soreness after exercise. For example, a 2010 study in Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that citrulline malate supplementation increased upper-body weightlifting performance and reduced muscle soreness. However, not all studies show significant benefits; results can be mixed depending on the population, dosing, and type of exercise assessed.

Overall, the evidence base is growing but still somewhat limited, with most research showing modest benefits rather than dramatic improvements. Citrulline is not rooted in traditional use for athletic enhancement, but its application is justified by plausible physiological mechanisms and emerging clinical evidence. Thus, scientific support exists, but more large-scale and well-controlled studies are needed to fully establish its efficacy.

More about Citrulline
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Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine

Products containing Citrulline

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.