Citrulline is derived from the Latin word Citrullus vulgaris, which means “watermelon.” Unlike certain amino acids, L-citrulline is not used to generate protein, but it may help improve other chemicals the body needs to make protein. It may help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Citrulline malate is comprised of two components: citrulline and malate. Citrulline is an amino acid that occurs naturally, while malate is an organic salt of the malic acid. They collaborate to play an important part in the body’s energy generation. L-citrulline is an amino acid that is present in watermelon. It is also manufactured within the body. The body converts L-citrulline into L-arginine, another amino acid.
Function in the body
Many routes and cycles are required to transform calories from ingested food into energy that the body can utilize. And the routes vary subject to whether the energy is derived from carbs, lipids, or proteins. Malate, in particular, aids in regulating enzymes involved in converting glycogen to energy. Carbohydrates are stored in the human body in the form of glycogen.
Arginine is an amino acid that is also important in creating energy. According to research, citrulline is easily altered to arginine in the body. Furthermore, citrulline malate containing supplements can raise arginine concentration more than arginine supplementation.
Impact of citrulline malate on athletic performance?
Citrulline malate may improve endurance and strength by improving blood flow and muscle health.
Citrulline malate can postpone muscular exhaustion by increasing aerobic energy. According to a research study published in the “British Journal of Sports Medicine,” 6 gm of citrulline malate administered daily decreased muscular tiredness by increasing oxidative ATP generation by 34% for exercise duration. The same research discovered a 20% rise in phosphocreatine repossession after exercise, signifying increased oxidative ATP production and energy generation (Bendahan et al., 2002).
The impact of citrulline malate supplementation on lower-body exercise repetitions to achieve failure was investigated in a brief trial of 12 advanced resistance-trained men. Men who consumed 8g of citrulline malate before the workout gained more leg extensions, leg presses, and hack squat repetitions than their non-supplementing contemporaries (Wax et al., 2015).
In another research, 14 resistance-trained males were given 8g of citrulline malate to see how it improved upper body workout performance. Citrulline malate expressively amplified the total number of repetitions accomplished for numerous exercises, including standard (+12.5%), reverse (+18.7%), and push-up (+9.2%) (Wax et al., 2016).
Citrulline Malate asa muscle soreness reducer and recovery promotor
Muscle discomfort, like weariness, might cause an exercise to be cut short. It can also cause significant physical discomfort, particularly the day or two following a workout. Citrulline malate has been demonstrated to alleviate post-workout muscular pain. Citrulline malate improves anaerobic athletic performance and relieves muscular pain. Reduced muscle pain can also mean less time for exercises, which can improve results in the long term. In a study, lifters who took 8 gm of citrulline malate during bench press training experienced a 40% reduction in muscular pain after 24 and 48 hours (Pérez-Guisado and Jakeman, 2010).
As a strength performance metrics enhancer
Improving strength performance requires optimizing post-workout recovery. Citrulline malate supplements have been shown in studies to lessen muscular soreness after a workout by approximately 52.8%. Not only does it dramatically reduce muscular pain, but it also appears to boost muscle protein synthesis, which is an important component of muscle development.
It has demonstrated considerable benefits in boosting strength via several routes. A meta-analysis published in Sports Medicine in 2019 found increased strength outcomes in various trials (Trexler et al., 2019). While the influence was minor and largely concentrated on elite athletes, it should not be overlooked. Potential processes include higher ammonia elimination, increased malic acid, and better recovery from increased blood flow aided by nitric oxide.
Women may benefit from citrulline malate pills as well. In 17 professional female tennis players, 12g of citrulline malate enhanced max grip strength and Wingate peak power. Furthermore, in a trial of 15 resistance-trained females, supplementation improved max reps in upper and lower body workouts and their perceived effort (RPE) rate during exercise (Glenn et al., 2017).
Increase in Nitric Oxide production by Citrulline Malate.
One of the most prominent benefits of citrulline malate is its potential to affect nitric oxide synthesis via an increase in plasma L-arginine levels. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, which means it causes blood vessels to widen, boosting blood flow and circulation without raising blood pressure. This means better muscle regeneration, quicker recovery, and improved nutrient supply to tissues and muscles in demand (Ochiai et al., 2012).
Assistance of in Protein Synthesis in athletes
Taking citrulline malate increases L-arginine, which assists in protein synthesis. A 2015 pilot research found that giving citrulline alongside amino acids, rather than simply amino acids alone, enhanced muscle protein synthesis (Jourdan et al., 2015).
Role of Citrulline Malate in the absorption of other essential amino acids
Citrulline Malate aids the body’s utilization of essential amino acids during extensive exercise. It increases the uptake by the body and application of other essential amino acids in the body. Seventeen amateur male cyclists were given 6 gm of citrulline malate or a placebo two hours before partaking in a 137-km riding stage in a research study. Post-exercise blood testing revealed that individuals who received the citrulline had lower plasma quantities of essential amino acids but higher amounts of non-essential amino acids (Sureda et al., 2010). Citrulline malate also dramatically elevated creatinine, arginine, citrulline, urea, nitrite, ornithine, and growth hormone plasma concentrations inside normal limits.
Due to the benefits of it mentioned above, it is the most important ingredient in our energy drink.
Conclusion
Citrulline malate is an important and very beneficial ingredient that should be incorporated into your pre-workout drink. It has all the potential benefits that will help an athlete or bodybuilder to achieve maximum output and to have a great workout. From building a muscle-mind connection to increasing the strength and stamina of the athlete, and it’s perfect fit for a pre-workout drink. Along with the potential benefits during workouts, it also has numerous other health benefits.