Amino acid

L-Citrulline

Amino acid studied for blood flow and pump, training volume, reduced muscle soreness. How it works, the dose and timing studied, what it interacts with, and the research behind the grade.

Grade B evidence moderate: promising but smaller or mixed human trials Also known as Citrulline malate
All compounds
Best for Blood flow and pump, Training volume, Reduced muscle soreness
Typical dose 6–8 g citrulline malate (or ~3–4.5 g pure L-citrulline)
Timing 30–60 minutes before exercise
Category Amino acid
How it works

What it is and the mechanism

Citrulline is converted to arginine in the kidney, raising plasma arginine more effectively than arginine itself and boosting nitric oxide synthesis. This increases blood flow and may improve exercise performance and reduce soreness.

Dose and timing

When and how much to take

The dose below reflects the range used in published research. Match the form alongside the milligrams. Set your own wake and bed times to map the timing onto your day.

Timing visualizer

When to take L-Citrulline

Dose: 6–8 g citrulline malate (or ~3–4.5 g pure L-citrulline). Set your own wake and bed times to map the guidance onto your day.

12a6a12p6pDAY1 dose
12 pmAnytime. Timing is flexible. Pick a slot you can keep consistent.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Before you stack it

Interactions and cautions

Read these before combining this with other supplements or medication. The risk is rarely the headline, it is the interaction you did not check.

Interactions
  • Nitrates and PDE5 inhibitors, additive blood-pressure-lowering effect
Cautions
  • Generally well tolerated; mild GI upset at high doses
  • May modestly lower blood pressure
Stacking

What pairs well, and what to keep apart

Derived from shared topics, complementary categories, and the interaction list. Introduce one compound at a time so you can tell what works.

Keep apart from

No direct compound conflicts derived. Still check the interactions list above against your medication.

Explore more

Compounds in the same topics

Often considered alongside this one. Each carries its own evidence grade.