L-citrulline is often combined with malate, an intermediary of the Krebs cycle. In theory, supplementing with malate could increase ATP production, potentiating L-citrulline's ergogenic effects.[1] Although there has been some promising research showing that citrulline malate can improve exercise performance[2], it’s unclear whether citrulline malate is superior to citrulline, as there is currently no research directly comparing the two.
What’s the difference between L-citrulline and citrulline malate?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
L-citrulline is often combined with malate to enhance ATP production and improve exercise performance, but it remains unclear whether citrulline malate is superior to L-citrulline due to a lack of direct comparative research. Some studies suggest that citrulline malate may improve exercise performance, but more research is needed.