Citrulline Malate brings together two compounds with distinct properties. L-Citrulline, a non-essential amino acid, teams up with malic acid, a key metabolic intermediate. The result is a compound that appears in sports nutrition products and often finds its way into raw material supply streams. Citrulline Malate goes by the molecular formula C10H19N3O8. From juice bar shelves to biotech industries, its presence links to the promise of performance, metabolic support, and reliable chemical behavior.
Users may receive Citrulline Malate in several physical formats: powder, crystalline solid, and sometimes as flakes. Powder shows up as a fine, almost snowy material, slightly hygroscopic, making quality packaging a smart step. The material flows easily and blends with other powdered ingredients. Looking at the flakes and granular forms, these structures reflect specific production choices, and the underlying chemistry remains unchanged. Pearl-shaped granules appear less often, but the market does see such customizations. Liquid solution forms only come from further processing, as Citrulline Malate starts off in a solid form under normal room temperature conditions.
The combination of the citrulline skeleton—rich with amino, carboxyl, and amidino groups—linked via salt formation to malic acid, forms a stable and predictable molecule. In solid form, Citrulline Malate offers a density close to 1.35 g/cm³. Under standard storage, it remains robust against moderate mechanical stress, holding its shape and texture well until it meets moisture. Once dissolved in pure water, it creates a clear, colorless solution, which can be slightly acidic due to malic acid’s nature. Its crystalline form can be inspected under light, revealing clear and well-formed particles.
Purity standards often set the lower limit near 98%. The CAS number for pure L-Citrulline is 372-75-8, but for Citrulline Malate, look for updated numbers or rely on product documentation. The Harmonized System (HS) Code commonly falls under 29241990 for import and export purposes. Typical quality control sheets report moisture levels, heavy metal content, and identification by infrared spectroscopy, matching pharmacopeial or food-grade requirements.
My experience handling Citrulline Malate aligns with what the safety data sheets say: the compound does not belong on a list of acutely toxic, highly hazardous, or strongly irritating chemicals. Direct ingestion or improper use can lead to mild stomach upset or gastrointestinal discomfort, especially in larger doses, but risks remain low if handled responsibly. I always recommend gloves and dust masks for those measuring or mixing bulk quantities, since any fine powder can irritate airways over time. Storage demands sealed containers in cool, dry rooms, away from strong acids or bases. Spilled material sweeps up without special requirements, but a swept floor helps avoid slips or accidental mixing with incompatible materials. Material that gets wet may form mild acids, so surface cleaning with water and proper ventilation limits minor risks.
Citrulline Malate now anchors itself in multiple disciplines. Supplement formulators value its solubility, meaning it mixes well for drinks or encapsulation. Chemists look for high batch-to-batch consistency, ensuring each lot matches label claims and delivers reliable results for their blends. For anyone sourcing raw materials, knowing the physical format, purity, origin, and handling recommendations ensures a trouble-free journey from warehouse to production line. Compared to many industrial chemicals, working with Citrulline Malate is straightforward. Chemical stability, non-volatile structure, and clarity of ingredient lists keep surprises to a minimum during inspection checks or audits. Certifications—such as ISO, GMP, and food-grade—often determine acceptance for the most regulated applications, from medical nutrition to functional beverages.
Industry faces challenges in raw material transparency, risk of contamination, and price pressure. Certifications, open access to specification sheets, and third-party laboratory verification offer solutions to manufacturers and end-users. For those new to handling Citrulline Malate, education on safe measurement and storage goes a long way to avoiding mishaps. Increased traceability further builds confidence, letting buyers know the full route from factory to finished product. In my own work, direct sourcing and regular spot checks kept batches consistent, and maintained relationships with trusted suppliers proved more valuable than chasing the lowest cost per kilogram. As consumer focus shifts toward ingredient safety and supply chain honesty, these steps grow even more important.
