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L-citrulline supplements, compared

8 products we’ve reviewed list l-citrulline as a key ingredient. Here’s what it does, what the research uses — and how much each product actually contains.

What it is

An amino acid the body converts to arginine and then nitric oxide — the basis of "pump" marketing. Research supporting it as a performance aid is limited and conflicting.

What the research uses

Most studies use citrulline malate; one trial in weightlifters used 8 g an hour before training.

Educational information, not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or take medication.

Every product, dose by dose

ProductL-citrulline per servingFormScore
BULK Pre-Workout
Transparent LabsBULK Pre-Workout
Informed Choice
8,000 mgL-Citrulline malate (2:1)Powder8.5
Pulse Pre-Workout
LegionPulse Pre-Workout
Third-party testedcGMP facility
8,000 mgCitrulline malatePowder8.3
Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout
Gorilla MindGorilla Mode Pre-Workout
Third-party tested
5,000 mg per scoopPowder8.2
Legend V4 Pre-Workout
GHOSTLegend V4 Pre-Workout		6,000 mgL-Citrulline (vegan fermented)Powder8.2
Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
KagedPre-Kaged Pre-Workout
Informed Sport
6.5 gFermented L-citrullinePowder8.1
Loaded Pre
RYSELoaded Pre		4.5 gPowder7.9
Pre-Workout
Alani NuPre-Workout		6 gL-Citrulline malate (2:1)Powder7.5
C4 Original Pre-Workout
CellucorC4 Original Pre-Workout		Not disclosedVelox (L-citrulline + L-arginine)Powder6.8

Amounts are per serving as printed on each label. “Not disclosed” usually means the ingredient sits inside a proprietary blend.

Questions people ask

How much l-citrulline do studies use?
Most studies use citrulline malate; one trial in weightlifters used 8 g an hour before training.
Which l-citrulline supplement scores highest?
In our reviews, Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout scores highest at 8.5/10, followed by Legion Pulse Pre-Workout (8.3) and Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout (8.2). Scores weigh efficacy, quality, value, experience and transparency — not just the dose.
How much l-citrulline is in these products?
It varies by product and serving size — for example Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout (8,000 mg), Legion Pulse Pre-Workout (8,000 mg), Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode Pre-Workout (5,000 mg per scoop). The table above lists the amount per serving for every product we've reviewed.

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