The effects of citrulline supplementation on athlete´s performance: systematic review

Background: Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that may enhance exercise performance and reduce soreness after exercise. This systematic review aims to determine the possible outcomes of L-citrulline of citrulline malate supplementation. Methods: The effects of L-citrulline or Citrulline Malate on trained individuals or professional athletes were examined in a comprehensive literature search using PubMed from 2010 to 2023. A total of 10 studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Randomized and double-blind study designs were used to include in this review. Findings: L-citrulline or citrulline malate supplementation produced either positive or negative effects. By boosting repetitions, lowering RPE, or reducing muscular exhaustion, six out of ten trials found that taking L-citrulline or citrulline malate improved performance. However, four out of ten studies found that taking L-citrulline or citrulline malate only has a minor or nonexistent advantage. Discussion: Nearly half of them reported no differences, while the other half reported successes. Numerous studies have shown that citrulline supplements minimize muscular soreness. Some research claims to have accomplished more repetitions, whilst other studies claim that there has been no difference in the number of repetitions attained. Conclusion: Supplementing with L-citrulline or citrulline malate is still debatable. Regarding whether it truly works or not in certain sports, there were no definitive responses. Additional research is required on this subject as these data are insufficient to draw any meaningful conclusions.