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Citrulline

Selected research topic

Exercise performance

Findings differ across measurements or study conditions. The results below keep them separate.

Findings from a combination study cannot be attributed to this ingredient alone.

Publications for this topic
21
Human comparison publications
5
Publications needing review
14

Findings in the studies

  • completion time

    • A better result than the comparison group was reported.
      General population · Single ingredient
      Measurement and study conditions
      Study type
      Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
      Study population
      Human participants · General population
      Ingredients tested
      Single ingredient
      How results were compared
      Results were compared between groups. · Study comparison: L-citrulline versus placebo
      Additional measurement information
      Primary outcome
      Measurement time
      7 days plus dose 1 hour before test

  • Physical performance

    • A better result than the comparison group was reported.

      Several ingredients were tested together, so this ingredient’s individual effect is unknown.

      What the comparison group used was not confirmed.

      Combination study
      Measurement and study conditions
      Study type
      Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
      Study population
      Human participants · Participant characteristics were not confirmed.
      Ingredients tested
      Ingredient combination
      How results were compared
      Results were compared between groups.
      Measurement time
      Not confirmed.

  • Sprint performance decrement

    • A better result than the comparison group was reported.

      Several ingredients were tested together, so this ingredient’s individual effect is unknown.

      What the comparison group used was not confirmed.

      Combination study
      Measurement and study conditions
      Study type
      Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
      Study population
      Human participants · Participant characteristics were not confirmed.
      Ingredients tested
      Ingredient combination
      How results were compared
      Results were compared between groups.
      Measurement time
      Not confirmed.

  • swimming performance

    • No clear difference from the comparison group was found.
      General population · Single ingredient · Eight days
      Measurement and study conditions
      Study type
      Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
      Study population
      Human participants · General population
      Ingredients tested
      Single ingredient
      How results were compared
      Results were compared between groups. · Study comparison: L-citrulline 8 g/day versus placebo; L-arginine was a separate arm
      Additional measurement information
      Primary outcome
      Measurement time
      Eight days
Other measured outcomes (3)

  • total upper body (the sum of BP and IP) RTF

    • A better result than the comparison group was reported.
      General population · Separable contribution · 6 weeks
      Measurement and study conditions
      Study type
      Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
      Study population
      Human participants · General population
      Ingredients tested
      Separable contribution
      How results were compared
      Results were compared between groups. · Study comparison: L-citrulline and citrulline malate arms versus placebo; no difference between active arms
      Additional measurement information
      Primary outcome
      Measurement time
      6 weeks

  • number of repetitions

    Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
    • A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.

      Several ingredients were tested together, so this ingredient’s individual effect is unknown.

      General population · Combination study
      Measurement and study conditions
      Study type
      Randomized controlled trial: subjects were randomly assigned to groups for comparison.
      Study population
      Human participants · General population
      Ingredients tested
      Ingredient combination
      How results were compared
      Changes within the same group were compared. · Study comparison: Citrulline-malate versus placebo in the same participants; repetitions increased from the third set
      Additional measurement information
      Primary outcome
      Measurement time
      Single training session; repetitions evaluated across 8 sets

  • exercise performance

    Research with unclear study subject or type
    • A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
      varied
      Measurement and study conditions
      Study type
      Review
      Study population
      Recorded population category: General population. Whether the research involved humans needs confirmation.
      Ingredients tested
      Unknown intervention
      How results were compared
      Study comparison: Some underlying studies report improvement; comparator details not stated in abstract
      Measurement time
      varied

This result is held for interpretation. That does not mean research found no effect.

Outcome groups needing additional review (11)
  • ergogenic effect · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Direction unclear: 1
  • lean mass · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
  • muscle mass · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
  • muscle strength · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
  • peak power · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
  • performance · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
  • strength-endurance · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
  • time to fatigue · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
  • time to reach peak power · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Direction unclear: 1
  • TT time · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Direction unclear: 1
  • TTE · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1

One paper can appear under multiple measured outcomes or review reasons, so these counts should not be added together.

Representative outcome and study details

Human studies reported between-group improvement in completion time.

Single-ingredient studies · Human studies · between-group comparison

1 publications linked to this result

  • Route, form, dose, or population details are incomplete, so the findings cannot be confirmed as directly comparable.
Data coverage and detailed study classifications

Paper counts are separated by research topic below. One paper may contribute to multiple findings.

Analysis status: Public-ready

Ingredient analysis date:

How the grade was determined: B

The 61.4 evidence score includes 15 independent human studies and 15 clinical studies in the representative benefit area. The B tier remains conservative because of a meaningful share of null findings in the same benefit area.

The grade is based mainly on the research area with the most evidence. It does not mean the same result was found in other areas.

Papers linked to this ingredient overall: 76

Papers linked to this topic 21 · distinct papers 21 · papers with a confirmed human comparison 5 · papers needing additional review 14

A publication may appear in more than one count. These numbers should not be added. Ingredient-wide papers, topic-linked papers, and sources in outcome groups use different scopes. Adding source counts may count the same paper more than once.

  • completion time: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
  • ergogenic effect: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • exercise performance: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • lean mass: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • muscle mass: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • muscle strength: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • number of repetitions: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • peak power: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • performance: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • Physical performance: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
  • Sprint performance decrement: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
  • strength-endurance: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • swimming performance: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
  • time to fatigue: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • time to reach peak power: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • total upper body (the sum of BP and IP) RTF: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
  • TT time: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
  • TTE: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0

What the research found

swimming performance

No clear difference in this measurement was found between the compared groups.

Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

completion time

The study reported improvement in this measurement.

Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

number of repetitions

A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.

Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population

Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.

Within-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

Physical performance

The study reported improvement in this measurement.

Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population

Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

Sprint performance decrement

The study reported improvement in this measurement.

Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population

Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

total upper body (the sum of BP and IP) RTF

The study reported improvement in this measurement.

Controlled study in people · Separable contribution · General population

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

exercise performance

A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.

Review · Unknown intervention · General population

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

ergogenic effect

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population

Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

lean mass

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population

Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

muscle mass

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Review · Single ingredient · Unspecified population

The comparison could not be confirmed.

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

muscle strength

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Controlled study in people · Separable contribution · Patient group

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

peak power

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population

Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.

Within-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

performance

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population

Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

strength-endurance

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Controlled study in people · Separable contribution · General population

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

time to fatigue

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population

Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.

Within-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

time to reach peak power

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population

Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

TT time

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population

The comparison could not be confirmed.

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

TTE

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population

Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

Unspecified measured outcome

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Meta-analysis · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population

Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.

The comparison could not be confirmed.

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

Unspecified measured outcome

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population

Between-group comparison

Analysis coverage and paper counts

2 papers · 2 measured outcomes

2 papers held from direction counts

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

Unspecified measured outcome

The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.

Meta-analysis · Single ingredient · Unspecified population

The comparison could not be confirmed.

Analysis coverage and paper counts

1 paper · 1 measured outcome

1 papers held from direction counts

Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.

Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.

How to read research findings

How should I read research findings?

Research guides

Side effects and combination findings

Findings from this ingredient alone are shown separately from those involving another supplement or medication.

No reviewed caution rules are available yet. Reported caution findings are shown below.

Findings to review with care

Side effects reported for the ingredient alone are separated from findings involving another supplement or medication.

Side effects reported with this ingredient alone

Symptoms or adverse events reported in studies without another active ingredient.

number of repetitions1 papers
In a crossover RCT of 41 men, 8 g of citrulline malate increased repetitions to fatigue by 52.92 % and reduced muscle soreness by 40 % compared with placebo, with mild stomach discomfort reported in 14.63 % of participants.Human studies · Randomized controlled trial