Citrulline vs. Citrulline Malate: Which Is Better?

When it comes to pre-workout supplements, Citrulline is one of the most effective ingredients for boosting endurance, reducing fatigue, and enhancing muscle pumps. But what’s the difference between L-Citrulline and Citrulline Malate? More importantly, which one is better for performance?

Let’s break it down.

What is L-Citrulline?

L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that converts into L-Arginine, which is the primary precursor to nitric oxide (NO). Increased NO production leads to improved blood flow, enhanced oxygen delivery to muscles, and stronger “muscle pumps.”

Benefits of L-Citrulline Supplementation:

✅ Boosts nitric oxide (NO) levels → Enhances blood flow & pumps
✅ Reduces fatigue & muscle soreness → Supports longer, harder training sessions
✅ Increases power output → Helps improve strength and muscle contractions
✅ Improves endurance → Delays muscle exhaustion and boosts stamina
✅ Enhances recovery → Promotes post-workout muscle repair

Clinically Effective Dosage:

🔹 2000-6000mg of L-Citrulline per day (ideally taken pre-workout)

Citrulline vs. Citrulline Malate: Key Differences

Most pre-workout supplements contain either L-Citrulline or Citrulline Malate (a blend of L-Citrulline and Malic Acid). So, what’s the real difference?

What is Citrulline Malate?

Citrulline Malate is simply L-Citrulline blended with DL-Malic Acid. Malic Acid is an organic compound involved in ATP production and has been suggested to have anti-fatigue benefits.

Is Citrulline Malate Molecularly Bonded?

No. Commercially available Citrulline Malate is NOT molecularly bonded—it is simply L-Citrulline and DL-Malic Acid mixed together. Even if it were molecularly bonded, the bond would break in water, resulting in the same L-Citrulline + Malic Acid mix.

Why L-Citrulline Dosage Matters Most

The most important factor is how much L-Citrulline you’re actually getting per serving, because that’s what drives nitric oxide production and workout performance.

Citrulline Malate Ratios Explained

Citrulline Malate is commonly sold in two ratios:
✅ 1:1 ratio (Citrulline to Malic Acid)
✅ 2:1 ratio (Citrulline to Malic Acid)

💡 If the supplement label does NOT specify the ratio, assume it’s the weaker 1:1 version.

While Malic Acid does provide some potential exercise benefits, the total L-Citrulline content is what really matters for nitric oxide production, muscle pumps, and performance enhancement.

Citrulline vs. Citrulline Malate: Which One Should You Take?

If you want maximum nitric oxide production & performance, pure L-Citrulline (6000mg) is superior to Citrulline Malate (6000mg)—which only supplies 3000-4000mg of actual L-Citrulline.

When supplementing with pure L-Citrulline, you know exactly how much you’re getting, ensuring consistent and effective dosing.

What Kind of Citrulline Does MATERIA Pre-Workout Contain?

MATERIA is formulated with the highest-quality L-Citrulline for peak performance.

✅ 6000mg of Pure L-Citrulline Per Serving

• Delivers a clinically effective nitric oxide boost
• Enhances blood flow, endurance, and muscle pumps

✅ Premium Kyowa® L-Citrulline

MATERIA uses Kyowa® L-Citrulline, a pharmaceutical-grade, ultra-pure Citrulline made in the USA. Kyowa’s L-Citrulline is:
✔ Purified through fermentation (vegan-friendly, no animal byproducts)
✔ 100% L-Citrulline (not mixed with Malic Acid)
✔ The highest-quality Citrulline available worldwide

✅ Includes 3000mg of Malic Acid

While not listed in the main supplement facts, MATERIA contains 3000mg of Malic Acid to support endurance and energy production. Because Malic Acid is not the key driver of performance, it is now listed under “other ingredients”—keeping the focus on what really matters: 6000mg of pure L-Citrulline.

With MATERIA, you get a stronger, cleaner, and scientifically superior formula for maximum nitric oxide production, endurance, and workout performance.

MATERIA vs. Other Pre-Workouts: Why It’s the Best Choice

💥 Want the strongest pre-workout formula with clinically dosed L-Citrulline? Get MATERIA V2.0 here! 💥

References

1. Perez-Guisado, J., & Jakeman, P.M. (2010). Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. J Strength Cond Res, 24(5), 1215-22.
2. Wax, B., et al. (2015). Effects of supplemental citrulline malate ingestion during repeated bouts of lower-body exercise in advanced weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res, 29(3), 786-92.
3. Glenn, J.M., et al. (2015). Acute citrulline malate supplementation improves upper- and lower-body submaximal weightlifting exercise performance in resistance-trained females. Eur J Nutr.
4. Schwedhelm, E., et al. (2008). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine: Impact on nitric oxide metabolism. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 65, 51-59.
5. Suzuki, T., et al. (2016). Oral L-citrulline supplementation enhances cycling time trial performance in healthy trained men. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 13, 6.