Evidence supporting the use of: Citrulline malate
For the health condition: Muscle Tone (lack of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Citrulline malate is a compound commonly used in sports nutrition, especially for its potential to enhance exercise performance and reduce muscle fatigue. The rationale behind its use for supporting muscle tone (often referring to muscle firmness and baseline strength) is primarily based on its effects on nitric oxide production, ammonia clearance, and ATP production. Several studies have demonstrated that citrulline malate supplementation can improve exercise performance and reduce perceived exertion, likely by increasing blood flow to muscles and aiding in the removal of metabolic waste products during exercise.
However, direct evidence supporting its use specifically for improving muscle tone in the absence of exercise or as a “treatment” for lack of muscle tone (as seen in medical conditions such as hypotonia) is limited. Most research focuses on its role in athletic contexts, where it may indirectly support muscle tone by enhancing training capacity and recovery. There is some scientific validation for its effects on performance, but little direct evidence for a therapeutic effect on baseline muscle tone outside of exercise.
Therefore, while there is some scientific evidence supporting citrulline malate’s use for exercise-related muscle performance, its use for directly treating or supporting muscle tone (lack of) is only weakly supported and should not be considered a primary or standalone intervention for muscle tone disorders.
More about Citrulline malate
More about Muscle Tone (lack of)
Other ingredients used for Muscle Tone (lack of)
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
branched-chain amino acids
calcium
caterpillar mushroom
cissus quadrangularis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
fish protein
l-isoleucine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-leucine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
phytocannabinoids
potassium
sardines
black ginger
tongkat ali
Urolithin A
vitamin D
whey protein
atractylodes
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
camphor oil
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Aralia
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Banyan
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Casein
Chinese Silkvine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyathula
Chuchuhuasi
Creatine
Chicken
Deer Velvet
Egg
Ecdysteroids
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
Other health conditions supported by Citrulline malate
Athletic and Exercise AidsCirculation (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Muscle Tone (lack of)