Navigating the world of pre-workouts can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. Yet, one ingredient stands out for its proven impact: L-citrulline.
Found in Bucked Up’s pre-workout lineup, this amino acid delivers real benefits for your training, from better pumps to improved endurance. Let’s break down how L-citrulline works and why it deserves a spot in your gym routine.
What Makes L-Citrulline a Key Player?
Understanding L-Citrulline
L-citrulline, a non-essential amino acid, plays a vital role in boosting nitric oxide levels in your body. After you take it, L-citrulline converts to L-arginine, which supports nitric oxide production and widens blood vessels. This process enhances blood flow to your muscles during workouts.
Its high bioavailability sets L-citrulline apart. Your body absorbs and uses it efficiently, making it a reliable choice for anyone looking to improve their exercise performance.
L-Citrulline vs. Citrulline Malate: What’s the Difference?
In pre-workouts, you’ll find L-citrulline in two forms: pure L-citrulline and citrulline malate. Pure L-citrulline focuses on blood flow, while citrulline malate pairs citrulline with malic acid.
Both offer solid benefits, but their effects vary slightly. Citrulline malate provides an added boost through malic acid, which aids energy production during long workouts. This makes it a strong option for endurance-focused athletes.
Why L-Citrulline Matters for Your Training
If you’re aiming to hit new personal bests or just want to feel stronger during workouts, L-citrulline offers well-researched benefits. It supports measurable gains in performance and recovery, helping you get more out of every session.
7 Key L-Citrulline Benefits for Better Workouts
1. Noticeable Muscle Pumps and Vascular Look
L-citrulline shines when it comes to muscle pumps. By increasing nitric oxide, it widens blood vessels for better blood flow. Your muscles feel fuller and look more defined during training.
This isn’t just about appearance. More blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to muscles when they need it most, supporting stronger contractions and sustained effort throughout your workout.
Bucked Up’s Mother Bucker maximizes this effect with 4 grams of pure L-citrulline, plus Nitrosigine and Hydroprime Glycerol for an intense pump you’ll notice quickly.

2. Longer Endurance with Less Fatigue
L-citrulline helps your body clear ammonia, a byproduct that contributes to fatigue, through the urea cycle. This action allows you to maintain intensity for longer periods during workouts.
In citrulline malate, the malic acid component further supports energy production. It aids ATP regeneration, helping reduce tiredness during exercise. This combination keeps you going through tough sets.
Bucked Up’s standard pre-workout and Woke AF feature high doses of citrulline malate for reliable energy during intense sessions.


3. Better Nutrient Delivery and Waste Clearance
With L-citrulline, improved blood flow works both ways. Muscles get more oxygen, amino acids, and glucose during exercise, while waste like lactate clears out faster. This efficient exchange helps your muscles perform at a higher level for longer.
4. Quicker Recovery After Training
The benefits of better circulation from L-citrulline continue post-workout. Enhanced blood flow reduces muscle soreness and supports recovery by delivering nutrients and easing oxidative stress after intense sessions.
Many users feel ready to train again sooner with L-citrulline. A Mother Bucker user shared, “I stay in the gym longer than planned with so much energy, and I still feel great when I get home.”
5. Efficient Absorption for Maximum Effect
L-citrulline absorbs better than arginine, making it a more effective option for boosting nitric oxide. Bucked Up enhances this with Astragin in their formulas, ensuring you get the most out of every dose for consistent results.
6. Support for Heart Health
L-citrulline’s impact on blood flow benefits more than just workouts. It helps maintain healthy blood pressure and vascular function through nitric oxide production, supporting long-term cardiovascular wellness alongside performance gains.
7. Enhanced Results with Other Ingredients
L-citrulline works even better alongside other pre-workout components. Paired with Beta-Alanine for stamina, AlphaSize for focus, and caffeine for energy, it creates a combined effect that elevates your entire workout. Bucked Up formulas, like Woke AF, blend citrulline malate with 333mg of caffeine for sharp focus and strong pumps.
Pick the Right Bucked Up Pre-Workout for Your Needs
Bucked Up: A Great Choice for New Users
New to pre-workouts or sensitive to caffeine? Start with Bucked Up. It combines citrulline malate (2:1) with a moderate 200mg of caffeine for noticeable pumps and endurance without overstimulation. Added Astragin and Senactiv boost absorption and recovery, offering a solid foundation for building your training routine.
Woke AF: Step Up Intensity and Focus
Ready for more? Woke AF offers a stronger 333mg caffeine dose with citrulline malate for lasting energy and vascular pumps. Ingredients like Dendrobium and Alpha GPC sharpen your mental edge. A user noted, “From the first sip, I’m focused and set for an amazing lift.”
Mother Bucker: Peak Performance for Experienced Athletes
For seasoned gym-goers, Mother Bucker delivers with 4 grams of pure L-citrulline and Nitrosigine for unmatched blood flow, enhanced by Hydroprime Glycerol. Its 400mg caffeine mix sustains energy, while 6.4g of Beta-Alanine supports endurance. A user said, “Plenty of energy for the gym and a 12-hour workday, with pumps that keep me going.”
L-Citrulline vs. Citrulline Malate: Quick Comparison
|
Feature |
L-Citrulline |
Citrulline Malate |
Bucked Up Products |
|
Primary Focus |
Nitric Oxide & Blood Flow |
Nitric Oxide + Energy Production |
Mother Bucker uses pure L-Citrulline |
|
Key Benefit |
Muscle Pumps, Recovery, Nutrient Delivery |
Endurance, ATP Regeneration, Fatigue Reduction |
Bucked Up & Woke AF use Citrulline Malate |
|
Ideal For |
Short, intense workouts, strength training |
Longer workouts, endurance training |
Choose based on your training style |
How to Time and Dose L-Citrulline for Best Results
Bucked Up pre-workouts include effective doses, so you don’t need to guess. Take your serving 20-30 minutes before training to sync peak nitric oxide levels with your workout. Keep hydrated to maximize blood flow and absorption.
If you’re new, start with half a scoop to test your tolerance, then build up to a full serving over time. This helps avoid over-stimulation while finding your ideal dose.
How L-Citrulline Works in Your Body
L-citrulline increases nitric oxide, improving blood flow and vascular function. Once consumed, it converts to L-arginine in the kidneys, fueling nitric oxide production for lasting effects during your session. This process makes it more effective than direct arginine supplements. Pure L-citrulline targets pumps and recovery through enhanced circulation.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid with L-Citrulline
Some miss out on L-citrulline’s benefits by choosing low-dose products or proprietary blends that hide amounts. Bucked Up’s clear labeling shows exactly what you get. Timing also matters, taking it too late limits its effect. Stick to the 20-30 minute window before training. Lastly, dehydration reduces its impact, so drink water consistently during your workout.
Your L-Citrulline Questions Answered
What’s the Best L-Citrulline Dose for Workouts?
Bucked Up products provide research-supported amounts, with Mother Bucker offering 4 grams of pure L-citrulline plus Nitrosigine for added impact. Start with these formulas to ensure proper dosing.
How Soon Does L-Citrulline Start Working?
You’ll likely notice L-citrulline effects within 30-60 minutes, so take it 20-30 minutes before exercising. Vascularity and muscle fullness often appear early in your workout, with peak benefits between 45-90 minutes after intake, lasting through your session.
Is Daily L-Citrulline Use Safe?
Yes, L-citrulline can be taken daily without needing breaks. Regular use maintains nitric oxide levels, aiding performance and heart health. Many use it in pre-workouts on training days and as a standalone on rest days for recovery support.
Does L-Citrulline Have Side Effects?
Most people tolerate L-citrulline well, with rare cases of mild stomach discomfort at high doses when starting. Begin with half a serving to gauge your response. Bucked Up’s clear dosing helps you adjust easily, and any minor issues usually fade with regular use.
How Does L-Citrulline Stack Up Against Other Pump Ingredients?
L-citrulline excels with better absorption than arginine, avoiding digestive issues. Paired with Nitrosigine in Mother Bucker, it offers both quick and lasting nitric oxide boosts for superior pump effects during and after training.
Elevate Your Training with Bucked Up’s L-Citrulline Formulas
L-citrulline offers proven support for better blood flow, endurance, and recovery, impacting multiple areas of workout performance. Bucked Up includes it in carefully dosed, transparent formulas across their range. Choose Bucked Up for a balanced start, Woke AF for heightened intensity, or Mother Bucker for maximum results.
The effectiveness comes from precise dosing and smart ingredient pairings. Bucked Up’s focus on clarity lets you trust what you’re taking and understand its benefits.