Citrulline review finds no clear overall body-composition benefit
Pooled trials reported no substantial overall changes in body measurements; favorable subgroup findings remain exploratory.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Across the included trials, citrulline supplementation showed no substantial overall effects on body weight, body mass index, fat mass, waist size, body fat percentage or fat-free mass. Some subgroup results were favorable, but they do not establish that higher doses or shorter courses are better. The review therefore does not demonstrate an overall body-composition benefit.
This abstract-based brief has no pooled effect sizes, confidence intervals or comparator details. The authors call for trials controlling diet and training, leaving subgroup patterns and long-term effects unresolved.
The question being tested
The researchers examined changes in body measurements and body composition. Although the abstract introduces citrulline as an exercise supplement, the results summarized here do not test whether endurance or resistance-training performance improves.
How to read subgroups
Some analyses reported lower fat mass in selected age and dose groups, and greater fat-free mass in shorter studies. These patterns do not show that higher doses or shorter interventions outperform alternatives.
The original publication
Effects of Citrulline or Watermelon Supplementation on Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis.
Ashtary-Larky D, Mohammadi S, Mousavi SAH et al.
Nutrients · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41097202
- Record checked
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