L-Citrulline is, without question, one of the most popular and effective nitric oxide boosters. If you’re looking for pumps, it’s a “must-have”. But wait, there’s another version – l-citrulline malate. Of course the companies that feature that in their pre-workouts claim it’s superior. So, which is it – l-citrulline or l-citrulline malate?
What Is L-Citrulline?
The name “citrulline” comes from the Latin word “Citrullus” meaning “watermelon”. L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, so it’s made by the body. Plus, it is one of three amino acids in the urea cycle, a process that removes excess ammonia from the body. (1)
Even so, if you want the pump benefits of nitric oxide, you will need to supplement it to get the proper dosage. Once ingested and absorbed, the body uses citrulline to produce arginine. This in turn stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production, resulting in huge pumps, enhanced nutrient delivery, and removal of waste products.
The obvious question would be, why not just take arginine instead? Arginine does not digest and absorb as well as citrulline, which bypasses digestion and goes right into the bloodstream. This ultimately means that citrulline can do a better job of increasing levels of arginine in the body than arginine does. (2, 3)
What Is L-Citrulline Malate?
In comparison, l-citrulline malate is not the same as pure L-citrulline. The difference is that l-citrulline malate is a combination of citrulline and malic acid.
Which One Is Better For Pumps?
L-Citrulline has twice as much citrulline than the same dose of l-citrulline malate. Typically, l-citrulline malate is a 1:1 blend of citrulline and malic acid. So, if you take 4 grams of a 1:1 blend of citrulline malate, you’re actually only getting about 2 grams of pure citrulline and about 2 grams of malic acid. So what is the point of malic acid? While more research is needed, malic acid is thought to promote ATP production. While that’s certainly important, that’s not the reason bodybuilders take l-citrulline. (4)
Go With Pure L-Citrulline For Maximum Pumps!
Even though l-citrulline malate is believed to promote pumps and increase ATP production, this blend is not the most efficient way to do either. You’ll get much greater pumps from pure citrulline, considered one of the most effective nitric oxide boosters. You’ll also get more ATP production by using creatine with your pre-workout.
Find it here:
Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode Nitric Stim-Free
Here’s the company that started the l-citrulline wars! When everybody else was putting 4-5 grams in their pre-workouts, this upstart brand comes along with a huge 9 grams! Now both this product and their stim-based pre’s feature 10 grams! Of course, the better companies responded with higher doses in their products.
Grind Stim-Junky 2.0 Pre-Workout
Here’s an extreme stim-based pre-workout that also features 6 grams of pure citrulline. If stims are your thing, this is the pre-workout for you, and you can get a great pump besides.
Full As F*ck
Here’s another popular stim-free pump pre-workout! Whether you use it alone or stack it with any other pre-workout, you’re getting 5,000 mg of pure citrulline in every dose. While this is a lower dose than a product like Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode Nitric Stim-Free, it’s all in what you stack it with. Having said that, if you only use stim-free pre-workouts, go with Gorilla Mind and its powerful 10 gram dose.
Alpha Supps Pre
In the current 2024 economy, “base” pre-workouts are one of the hottest new categories. A base or core pre-workout is a streamlined formula at a budget price. I have to say this category has been a life-saver! Here we have Alpha Supps Pre, a solid entry in this category. You won’t see the same doses in every ingredient, and with that in mind, you’re getting a 4,000 mg dose of pure citrulline.
Core L-Citrulline 3000
If you want another stackable option, here’s 5% Nutrition’s stand-alone l-citrulline formula dosed at 3,000 mg. Just stack it with any pre-workout for out of this world pumps. For example, stack it with Alpha Supps Pre, and you’ve got 7,000 mg of citrulline. Personally speaking, I’d also stack with creatine monohydrate and glycerol for enhanced water-based pumps. .
In Summary
As you can see, there’s a wide range of choices when it comes to pre-workouts that feature a good dose of citrulline. There’s also several good stand-alone products as well. If you want great pumps, this is a foundational ingredient. Make sure it’s in your pre and well-dosed! All that’s left is to visit illpumpyouup.com and pick your favorite citrulline formula – why wait, stop by today!
References:
- https://examine.com/supplements/citrulline/?show_conditions=true
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrulline
- Wijnands, K., Vink, H., Briedé, J., Van Faassen, E., Lamers, W., Buurman, W., & Poeze, M. (2012). Citrulline a more suitable substrate than arginine to restore NO production and the microcirculation during endotoxemia. Retrieved July 04, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3362574/
- https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2880004