What Is L-Citrulline And Why Is It In Pre-Workout?

If you’ve ever looked at the label of your pre-workout or energy drink and seen L-Citrulline listed as a key ingredient, you might have wondered what it is and why it matters. The truth is, L-Citrulline plays a major role in how effective your pre-workout is, and it’s one of the most popular ingredients for good reason.

In this post, we’ll break down what L-Citrulline is, how it works, and why it’s often included in high-performance pre-workout formulas.

What Is L-Citrulline?

L-Citrulline is a naturally occurring amino acid found in foods like watermelon and produced naturally by the body. Unlike essential amino acids that are required through diet, L-Citrulline is non-essential, meaning your body can make it on its own.

However, when taken in larger doses, like those found in pre-workouts, L-Citrulline delivers performance-enhancing benefits that go beyond what your body can produce on its own.

How Does L-Citrulline Work?

L-Citrulline works by boosting nitric oxide levels in the body. It does this by converting into another amino acid called L-arginine, which then leads to an increase in nitric oxide production.

Why does that matter? Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow. This process, called vasodilation, can lead to better oxygen and nutrient delivery to your muscles during a workout.

Benefits of L-Citrulline in Pre-Workout

When included in your pre-workout, L-Citrulline helps support:

1. Increased Muscle Pump

The improved blood flow caused by L-Citrulline gives you a stronger pump during workouts. That muscle fullness is not just for looks, it often leads to better muscle activation and performance.

2. Improved Endurance

Better circulation means your muscles receive more oxygen and nutrients, which helps delay fatigue. L-Citrulline is especially beneficial during high-intensity or longer training sessions.

3. Faster Recovery

Some studies suggest L-Citrulline can help reduce muscle soreness after workouts by clearing out ammonia and other waste products from the muscles more efficiently.

4. Enhanced Strength Output

By increasing oxygen delivery, L-Citrulline can help you lift heavier for longer. It’s especially useful when training for strength, hypertrophy, or even high-rep conditioning work.

L-Citrulline vs. Citrulline Malate

You may also come across Citrulline Malate on ingredient labels. The difference? Citrulline Malate is a compound of L-Citrulline and malic acid. While both forms boost nitric oxide, Citrulline Malate may also help reduce fatigue by supporting ATP production.

At the end of the day, both are effective, but pure L-Citrulline is often used when the goal is maximizing blood flow and pump without added acidity.

How Much L-Citrulline Do You Need?

Most effective pre-workout supplements include 4 to 6 grams of L-Citrulline per serving. This is the clinically studied dose range that has been shown to improve performance. Be cautious of products that list L-Citrulline but don’t show the actual amount, it may be underdosed.

Why We Use It in Our Pre-Workout

We include a full clinical dose of L-Citrulline in every can of our RTD pre-workout because it actually works. Whether you're training for strength, chasing better pumps, or pushing through high-intensity intervals, L-Citrulline supports your effort from the inside out.

It’s not just a trendy ingredient. It’s one that delivers real performance benefits, and that’s why we stand behind it.

Takeaway For Your Training

So, what is L-Citrulline? It's a powerhouse amino acid that supports better blood flow, endurance, strength, and recovery. If you’re serious about getting the most out of your training, it’s a must-have in your pre-workout routine.

Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or you’re deep in competition prep, having L-Citrulline in your supplement stack can give you an edge.

Looking for a pre-workout that actually delivers? Check out our RTD pre-workout formula, packed with L-Citrulline and other proven ingredients to fuel your performance.