Can You Take Citrulline Malate and L-Arginine Together?

Use extra care with this pair

The short answer

Citrulline malate is converted to arginine in the body. Supplementing both results in excessive arginine and nitric oxide levels, potentially causing hypotension, headaches, and gastrointestinal distress.

How to arrange timing

Choose one or the other for nitric oxide boosting. There is no additive benefit from combining both at full doses.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Schwedhelm E et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2008;65(1):51-59

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.