Citrulline Malate (2:1)
Also known as: CM, citrulline malate 2:1, L-citrulline DL-malate
A salt of citrulline and malic acid, most often in a 2:1 ratio, that has been the traditional form in pre-workouts. Because malate makes up part of the mass, a 2:1 material is only about 56% citrulline by weight, so 6–8 g of citrulline malate supplies roughly 3.4–4.5 g of citrulline. Studies on repetitions to failure and soreness have produced mixed results.
Research summary
Provides citrulline for arginine and nitric-oxide synthesis; malate is a Krebs-cycle intermediate with a proposed but unproven energetic role.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 g | 6–8 g | 8 g | — |
8 g of 2:1 citrulline malate taken 40–60 minutes pre-exercise is the most-studied protocol; 6 g is common in products. Doses are of the 2:1 compound, of which about 56% is citrulline. Verify the actual ratio with the supplier, since some materials are labeled 2:1 but assay closer to 1:1.
Standardization: 2:1 citrulline to malate
Source material: fermentation-derived citrulline reacted with malic acid
As supplied: 2:1 material is approximately 56% citrulline by mass.
Forms of Citrulline
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citrulline Malate (2:1) | 6–8 g | — | Powder, Capsule, Tablet | low |
| L-Citrulline | 6–8 g | — | Powder, Capsule, Tablet | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Gram-scale dose; powder only in practice. Sour taste from malic acid, which can be a flavoring asset in citrus-flavored powders.
Formulation notes
Stacked with beta-alanine, creatine, and caffeine. Count citrulline from both L-citrulline and citrulline malate toward one citrulline total.
Sources
Related ingredients
Beta-Alanine
Sports performanceA non-essential amino acid that combines with histidine to form carnosine, the main intramuscular buffer of hydrogen ions during intense exercise.
Typical: 3.2–6.4 g
L-Citrulline
Sports performanceA non-protein amino acid that the kidneys convert to arginine, raising plasma arginine more efficiently than oral arginine itself.
Typical: 6–8 g
BCAA 2:1:1 (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine)
Sports performanceA blend of the three branched-chain amino acids, most often at a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine, that has been a staple of intra-workout drinks for decades.
Typical: 5–10 g
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sports performanceBaking soda, used in sports nutrition as an extracellular buffer that raises blood bicarbonate before high-intensity efforts lasting roughly one to ten minutes.
Typical: 14–21 g
Peak ATP (Adenosine 5'-Triphosphate Disodium)
Sports performancePeak ATP is a patented, orally stable form of adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium from TSI Group.
Typical: 400 mg