Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Arginine-L-malate is a combination of the amino acid L-arginine and malic acid, sometimes included in sports supplements marketed for athletic performance and exercise support. The scientific rationale for its inclusion generally stems from the roles of its individual components: L-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that helps dilate blood vessels and may increase blood flow, while malic acid is involved in the Krebs cycle, a critical energy-producing pathway. Together, it is hypothesized that they might enhance exercise performance by improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles and supporting energy production.

However, the direct scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of arginine-L-malate specifically as an exercise aid is limited. Most studies have focused on L-arginine alone, with mixed results; some research shows minor improvements in blood flow and exercise performance, especially in untrained individuals or those with cardiovascular issues, but these effects are not consistently observed in healthy, trained athletes. There is even less research on the combination with malate, though some studies on L-citrulline malate (a related compound) suggest possible benefits for endurance and reduced fatigue.

Overall, while there is a plausible biochemical rationale and some preliminary evidence, robust clinical trials specifically utilizing arginine-L-malate for athletic performance are lacking. The evidence is thus rated as low (2/5), pending more direct and high-quality research. Its use in this context is primarily justified by extrapolation from related compounds and mechanistic reasoning rather than strong direct evidence.

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