SupplementEmergingSports Performance

Citrulline Malate

Half-life

~1–1

What is Citrulline Malate?

Precursor to arginine that increases nitric oxide production more effectively than arginine itself.

How Citrulline Malate works

Converted to arginine in the kidneys, bypassing first-pass liver metabolism that degrades oral arginine. Arginine then serves as substrate for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to produce NO — dilating blood vessels and improving nutrient delivery.

Benefits & uses

Blood flow / pumps
Endurance & ATP support
May reduce soreness

Common uses: Vasodilation, blood flow, muscle pumps, endurance, blood pressure support.

Muscle

Citrulline Malate dosage

Typical dose: 6–8 g citrulline malate (2:1 ratio) 30–60 min pre-workout. Pure L-citrulline: 3–4 g.

Citrulline Malate half-life

~1–1.5 hours (plasma citrulline → arginine conversion)

Citrulline Malate side effects

GI discomfort at high doses. Generally very well tolerated.

GI discomfort at high doses (>10 g)
Blood pressure lowering effect — monitor if on antihypertensives
Generally excellent tolerability
Well tolerated
Mild GI upset at high doses

Track Citrulline Malate in Protokol.

Log doses, model half-lives, check interactions, and line it all up against your bloodwork. Free on iPhone and Android.