Acute Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on High-Intensity Strength and Power Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Trexler ET, Persky AM, Ryan ED, Schwartz TA, Stoner L, Smith-Ryan AE
Published in Sports Medicine
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized crossover studies of acute citrulline or citrulline malate supplementation on strength and power outcomes.
Key Findings
Acute citrulline supplementation produced a small but statistically significant improvement in high-intensity strength and power performance versus placebo, with no effect on peak power.
Conclusions
Citrulline may give a small acute performance benefit; effects are modest and study quality varies.
Limitations
Small crossover studies, heterogeneous doses and citrulline malate ratios, acute dosing only, no chronic training outcomes.
Supplements Studied
Acute citrulline supplementation produced a small but statistically significant improvement in high-intensity strength and power performance versus placebo.
Citrulline increased plasma arginine and nitric oxide availability
Outcomes Measured
Citrulline improved high-intensity performance outcomes versus placebo, with no effect on peak power.
Acute citrulline supplementation produced a small but significant improvement in high-intensity strength and power performance.
Citrulline produced a small but significant improvement in strength and power performance, with increased plasma arginine and nitric oxide availability
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.