What Is L-Citrulline Malate?

L-Citrulline is an amino acid primarily used as a sports supplement to reduce fatigue and improve endurance.

The addition of malic acid is the difference between L-Citrulline and L-Citrulline Malate. Malate further enhances L-Citrulline’s fatigue fighting capabilities by helping the body recycle lactic acid and use it for energy.

What Does It Do?

Upon consumption, L-Citrulline is processed by the kidneys and converted into L-Arginine. L-Arginine is a potent nitric-oxide (NO) booster that dilates the blood vessels and improves blood flow to the muscles.

This begs the question:

Why not just supplement with L-Arginine?

Well, it’s because L-Arginine goes through a more intensive digestive path than L-Citrulline. As it turns out, L-Citrulline supplementation is more effective at increasing L-Arginine levels in the body than L-Arginine supplementation.

L-Citrulline Malate For ED

L-Citrulline has also been described as a pro-erectile agent. In one study, 24 men with erectile dysfunction were given 1500mg of citrulline daily for one month. At the end of the month, 12 men reported being very satisfied with the treatment (1). Note that this research is based on subjective observations.

L-Citrulline Malate For Growth Hormone

L-Citrulline also seems to interact with growth hormone (GH) release. Trained athletes given 6g of citrulline malate prior to exercise had 66.8% higher GH concentrations compared to placebo (2). This effect, however, requires exercise as a perquisite.

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