Enhance blood flow and energy by boosting nitric oxide through both the citrulline and nitrate pathways. The result? Bigger, longer-lasting pumps and better workouts.
Ingredient geeks know all about citrulline malate. Citrulline malate – a compound of the amino acid L-citrulline and malic acid – boosts nitric oxide (NO) production to enhance blood flow and the pump, reduces fatigue, and improves endurance and recovery.
But what about citrulline nitrate? What is it, and why is it part of pre-workout formulas like Biotest Igniter? Here's what you need to know.
What is Citrulline Nitrate?
L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that boosts NO production indirectly by increasing arginine levels in the blood (citrulline converts to arginine more effectively than oral arginine does).
Nitrate is found naturally in foods like beets and leafy greens. In the body, nitrate converts to nitrite and then to nitric oxide via a different pathway than citrulline/arginine.
By bonding the two, you get a dual-path nitric oxide booster, one that works via the arginine pathway and one that works via the nitrate-nitrite pathway.
Why is it in Pre-Workouts?
- Bigger, Longer-Lasting Muscle Pumps – Citrulline increases NO production through the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway. Nitrates increase NO production through the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, which doesn't depend on eNOS. Together, they trigger greater vasodilation, improving blood flow to working muscles and resulting in more pronounced and sustained pumps.
- Improved Endurance – Nitrates reduce the oxygen cost of hard training, allowing you to sustain a given intensity with less fatigue. Citrulline delays fatigue by improving ammonia clearance during exercise.
- Stacked Efficiency – Instead of taking separate citrulline malate plus beet root extract, citrulline nitrate delivers both active components in a single, fast-acting molecule.
In short, citrulline nitrate follows and backs up the benefits of citrulline malate with delayed kinetics, sustaining elevated NO levels, prolonging muscle fullness, and maintaining maximal nutrient delivery throughout your workout.
NO3-T® Citrulline Nitrate vs. Generic
When formulating Igniter, we chose to invest in NO3-T® citrulline nitrate, the premium, standardized, and research-backed form that ensures purity, consistency, and dual nitric oxide support. Generic citrulline nitrate may deliver the same effects in theory, but with less quality control and reliability.
Each two-scoop serving of Igniter contains 2.5 grams of NO3-T® citrulline nitrate, along with 6 grams of citrulline malate and other pre-performance enhancers, like UMP, the motivation supplement.
Learn more about Igniter HERE.