Citrulline Malate Benefits for Energy, Workouts & Sexual Function

Citrulline malate is a supplemental formulation of L-citrulline with malic acid added. It is used to raise blood levels of Arginine and to increase Nitric Oxide and Growth Hormone synthesis.

L-citrulline is a non-proteinogenic alpha amino acid, found naturally in watermelon. Malic acid is a crystalline acid that is known for giving sour fruits their pungent tastes.

Taking citrulline malate has been shown to improve certain markers of athletic performance. Bodybuilders use this supplement because it is believed to improve energy metabolism and contractility in skeletal muscles.

Oral administration of citrulline malate may result in increased resistance to muscular fatigue, improved intramuscular pH balancing and enhanced athletic performance.

L-Citrulline

Amino Acid

Pre- Workout

Body- building

Stamina

How It Works:

• Shown to raise blood arginine levels
• Increases Nitric Oxide & Growth Hormone
• Delays onset of fatigue during intense training

Dosage:

Between 1 - 3 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Citrulline Malate for Energy & Muscle Growth

Bodybuilders and strength training athletes use citrulline malate to maximize their training results.

In one randomized, counterbalanced, double-blind trial, the effects of citrulline malate on heart rate, blood lactate, blood pressure and exercise performance were studied. Twelve advanced resistance-trained men participated in multiple resistance exercises for the lower body.

Subjects were randomly assigned into either a placebo group (PG), or a treatment group (TG) receiving 8 grams of citrulline malate daily. All subjects engaged in 5 sequential sets of leg press, hack squat and leg extension movements. All exercises were repeated to failure at 60% of a 1-repetition maximum lift weight.

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and blood lactate levels were measured before and after the exercises were performed. Results included:

• Significantly higher number of repetitions performed in all three exercises in TG relative to PG;
• No significant differences in blood lactate or heart rate between TG and PG;
• No significant differences in blood pressure between TG and PG;

This study concluded that citrulline malate supplementation can be beneficial to exercise performance capacities, especially in men experienced in resistance training.

Citrulline Malate for Sexual Function

As a nitric oxide booster, citrulline is also taken to support sexual performance, libido and fertility.

L-citrulline is a natural phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. PDE-5 is largely responsible for the onset of symptoms associated with ED (erectile dysfunction).

ED often results because blood cannot be efficiently delivered to the corpus cavernosum. Corpus cavernosum shafts are inside the penis and fill with blood to produce erections.

Citrulline malate can act to relax the smooth muscle tissues that surround the entrance to corpus cavernosum shafts. This process is called vasodilation. Vasodilation opens and expands the blood vessels that supply the penis (as well as numerous other tissues, organs and cavities).

In a double-blind study involving 24 men with ED, subjects received a placebo agent for the first month of observation. The second month, they all received daily 1.5-gram doses of L-citrulline. All subjects had initial erection hardness scores of 3 (mild ED).

At the end of the second month, no subjects had reported any adverse effects. Erection hardness increased from 3 to 4 (normal) in two (8.3%) of the subjects during the placebo phase of the trial.

After the treatment phase, twelve (50%) of the subjects increased erection hardness from 3 to 4. All subjects reported feeling very satisfied with their score increases.

Naturally inhibiting PDE-5 may be a safe long-term strategy for ED management. Mass-prescribed medications like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra also help to encourage blood delivery to the corpus cavernosum.

However, these substances are associated with potentials for serious adverse effects. There are not any adverse effects associated with properly using citrulline malate.

Citrulline Malate Dosage Recommendations

For improving circulatory efficiency and treating the symptoms commonly associated with ED, three daily of 1000 mg doses have been used.

Daily doses between 2 and 9 grams of citrulline malate have been used to improve athletic performance markers. In one study, 3-gram doses were taken just prior to exercise sessions. 3-gram doses have also been given 3 times in the 24 hours preceding workout sessions to enhance athletic performance.

Citrulline Malate Safety

Citrulline is a safe, natural amino acid that the body is able to synthesize internally. This compound is also found naturally in watermelon. It is very well tolerated in research studies and according to anecdotal user reports.

In healthy adults, daily dose up to 9 grams have been used for periods up to 9 months without causing any adverse effects. 15-gram single doses have also been used safely, but are not recommended unless supervised by a physician.

In children, doses of 5.7 grams have been administered daily for 20 months without side effects.

Not enough data is available concerning the safety of citrulline malate in pregnant or nursing women. Usage is not advised in these groups.

Conclusions

Citrulline malate supplementation may promote improvements in athletic performance and physical energy levels. This natural substance works without causing adverse effects when used orally and appropriately.

There are possibilities for interactions between citrulline malate supplements and drugs and/or herbal supplements that can lower blood pressure. Combined usage is not recommended with nitrates, PDE-5 inhibitors or high blood pressure medications.

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