Citrulline: The Complete Guide
L-citrulline vs citrulline malate, gram doses, and why one 750 mg capsule is not a protocol
L-citrulline raises arginine and nitric oxide more reliably than oral arginine for many people. Training studies usually use grams, often as citrulline malate. This guide covers dose honesty and why NOW 750 mg capsules are a stim-free trial, not a pre-workout tub.
Health Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement, peptide, or health protocol. Read our full health disclaimer.
Frequency
On training days, 30–60 minutes before
Duration
As long as you notice a reason to stay
Level
Beginner
Key Takeaways
- 1Performance literature is grams — count capsules or buy powder if you stay on it
- 2Citrulline is optional; creatine and protein are not
- 3No caffeine in the NOW SKU — keep stims separate
- 4Ask if you are on blood-pressure medication
Who this is for
- ·People staring at a 20-ingredient pre-workout
- ·Night trainers who do not want more caffeine
- ·Anyone who already hits creatine and protein
L-Citrulline vs Malate
Moderate EvidenceMalate is the gym-bro form in most powders (often 2:1 citrulline to malate). Plain L-citrulline is what NOW sells. Either can work; the dose of actual citrulline is what matters.
Dose
Moderate EvidenceStudies that show a pump or a small performance bump are usually 3–8 g citrulline-equivalent. One 750 mg capsule is a taste, not a protocol.
Skip
Moderate EvidenceProprietary pump blends with dyes. Stacking citrulline the same week you add four other new bottles. Treating it as a blood-pressure drug.
As an Amazon Associate, Reo Tuku Iho Limited earns from qualifying purchases through Amazon links on this site. Full disclosure
For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Read our health disclaimer.
Sources
Key references cited in this guide. Links open the original publication or abstract.
- Citrulline and exercise performance — review contextJ Strength Cond Res, 2012
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