Nitrous Malate Diarginine Malate
Also known as: Nitrous Malate Diarginine Malate, Arginine Malate, Diarginine Malate
Overview
Diarginine Malate is a synthetic supplement that combines two molecules of L-arginine, a semi-essential amino acid, with one molecule of malate, an intermediate in the Krebs cycle. L-arginine is naturally found in protein-rich foods, while malate is present in fruits like apples. This compound is primarily used as a nitric oxide (NO) precursor and vasodilator supplement, falling under the category of amino acid derivatives and sports nutrition ergogenic aids. Its main application is to enhance nitric oxide production, which is believed to improve blood flow, vasodilation, and muscle performance. It is commonly marketed for athletic performance enhancement, including improvements in endurance, strength, and recovery. The L-arginine component acts as a precursor for NO synthesis, while malate is thought to support energy production and reduce fatigue. While L-arginine and malate have been extensively studied individually, specific research on Diarginine Malate as a combined compound is limited, with most evidence extrapolated from studies on L-arginine, citrulline, and citrulline malate.
Benefits
The primary benefit of Diarginine Malate is its potential to enhance nitric oxide production, primarily through its L-arginine component. However, research indicates that L-arginine supplementation alone (even at doses up to 6 g/day) generally does not significantly improve physical performance or nitric oxide synthesis in healthy athletes. In contrast, citrulline and citrulline malate (2.4–8 g/day) show more consistent increases in plasma arginine and NO production, with some improvements in power and high-intensity strength performance. Acute 8g doses of citrulline malate have shown inconsistent effects on muscle endurance and vasodilation during resistance exercise. Secondary benefits may include a potential reduction in perceived exertion during exercise. Malate's role in the Krebs cycle suggests it could contribute to energy metabolism and reduce fatigue, but direct evidence for this specific compound is limited. Endurance athletes might benefit from improved blood flow and recovery mechanisms mediated by the NO pathway, but resistance-trained individuals show less consistent evidence of enhanced muscle perfusion or hypertrophy. Meta-analyses suggest small to moderate effect sizes for citrulline malate on power output and high-intensity exercise, while arginine alone shows negligible effects. Benefits, when observed, typically manifest with supplementation over 7 to 16 days for citrulline malate, with acute dosing effects being variable.
How it works
Diarginine Malate primarily functions through its L-arginine component, which is converted by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes into nitric oxide (NO). NO is a potent vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels, thereby enhancing blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles. This improved circulation can support oxygen and nutrient supply during exercise. The malate component participates in the Krebs cycle, a central pathway for energy production in cells, potentially supporting ATP production and reducing muscle fatigue. The compound interacts with the cardiovascular system by improving endothelial function and hemodynamics through NO-mediated vasodilation, and with the muscular system by enhancing blood flow to active muscles. The primary molecular targets are NOS enzymes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells in the vasculature. While L-arginine has limited oral bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism, malate is well absorbed and metabolized.
Side effects
Diarginine Malate is generally regarded as safe at typical supplement doses, up to 6–8 grams per day. The most common side effects reported are mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and diarrhea. Less common side effects (occurring in 1-5% of users) may include headache and flushing, which are typically related to its vasodilatory effects. Rare side effects (less than 1%) can include hypotension (low blood pressure), particularly in sensitive individuals or when combined with other substances that lower blood pressure. There is a potential for drug interactions with antihypertensive medications, nitrates, and PDE5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil), as combining these with Diarginine Malate could increase the risk of hypotension. It is contraindicated or should be used with caution in individuals with pre-existing low blood pressure or cardiovascular instability. Data on its safety in pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with severe cardiovascular disease is limited, and its use in these populations is not recommended without medical supervision.
Dosage
For L-arginine alone, doses around 6 grams per day have shown limited efficacy for performance enhancement. For compounds like citrulline malate, which are often compared to Diarginine Malate due to similar mechanisms, optimal dosage ranges from 6–8 grams per day, taken for 7–16 days to observe performance benefits. While L-arginine doses of 3–6 grams per day are common, they are generally less effective on their own. The maximum safe dose for L-citrulline has been shown to be up to 10–15 grams per day, while L-arginine doses above 10 grams per day may increase the likelihood of side effects. For acute effects, Diarginine Malate can be taken approximately 30–60 minutes before exercise to transiently increase NO production. However, chronic supplementation may be necessary for more sustained effects. It's important to note that citrulline malate is often preferred over L-arginine alone due to its superior bioavailability, as citrulline bypasses hepatic metabolism and more effectively raises plasma arginine levels.
FAQs
Is Nitrous Malate Diarginine Malate effective for muscle pump?
Evidence for enhanced muscle perfusion and pump with arginine malate is limited and inconsistent. Citrulline malate shows more promise for increasing blood flow, but results are still variable among individuals.
Is it safe to combine with other vasodilators?
Caution is advised when combining Diarginine Malate with other vasodilators, including certain medications, due to an increased risk of hypotension (low blood pressure).
How soon before exercise should it be taken?
For acute effects, it is typically recommended to take Diarginine Malate approximately 30–60 minutes prior to exercise. However, chronic supplementation may be more effective for sustained benefits.
Will it improve endurance or strength?
Some evidence suggests modest endurance benefits, primarily through improved blood flow. However, improvements in strength are less consistent and not as strongly supported by research for arginine-based supplements.
Is it better than L-citrulline or citrulline malate?
Research generally indicates that citrulline malate offers superior bioavailability and efficacy in raising plasma arginine levels and enhancing nitric oxide production compared to arginine malate or arginine alone.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10005484/ – This meta-analysis found that citrulline supplementation (2.4–6 g/day) improved NO synthesis and performance, while arginine alone was largely ineffective. It highlighted the inconsistency of citrulline malate's effects, noting heterogeneity in dosing and populations, and limited acute data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9921013/ – This narrative review concluded that citrulline malate increases plasma arginine and NO markers, but found limited evidence for improved blood flow or muscle perfusion during resistance exercise. It noted that many studies had small sample sizes and inconsistent outcomes.
- https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/55867 – This systematic review focused on endurance athletes, suggesting that L-arginine supports NO production, vasodilation, and muscle recovery. However, it also reported mixed performance outcomes and called for more refined dosing strategies due to variability in study designs and populations.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15502783.2023.2209056 – This source, likely related to the meta-analysis or review, reinforces the idea that while L-arginine can support NO production, its direct impact on athletic performance is often less pronounced than that of citrulline or citrulline malate, which are more effective at increasing plasma arginine levels.