Impact of citrulline malate supplementation on exercise performance and muscle regeneration

Background. A world of sport is filled with various types of supplements. For many years we have been searching for ways, to improve our strength and endurance. One of them is L-citrulline, witch is an endogenous amino acid, created from carbamyl and ornithine in the urea cycle. In the organism it is converted into arginine, and used during the cycle of transition into nitric oxide (NO). This mechanism probably can be associated with enhaced blood flow into muscle tissue, what can be helpful during both resistance and high-intensity exercise performance, and also during recovery of muscular performance.Material and methods. This article comprises a literature review based on publications from: PubMed, Clinicalkey, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Google scholar.Results. Citrulline malate is a sports supplement. However, the evidence base for its efficacy is still insufficient to permit clear conclusions to be drawn about its action.Conclusion. The substance citrulline malate increases the concentration of nitric oxide in the organism through numerous transformations. At present, it is not possible to state unequivocally whether this effect positively improves the function and efficiency of the muscular system, or whether it increases the efficiency of blood supply to organs and muscles. However, there are a large number of indications that, with the right dosage and supplementation regimen, we will be able to fully exploit the potential of this supplement as an aid to further sporting performance.