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DL-Malate
Also known as: Malic Acid, DL-Malic Acid, Malate, L-Malate
DL-Malate is a four-carbon organic acid involved in cellular energy production via the citric acid cycle. It is commonly combined with L-citrulline to support exercise performance and muscular endurance.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every DL-Malate product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout | 90 A | $1.67 |
| 2 | Nutricost Pre-Workout For Women Powder | 89 A | $0.73 |
| 3 | Nutricost Pre-Workout Complex | 89 A | $0.83 |
| 4 | Onnit Total Nitric Oxide - Harvest Fruit (20 Serving Tub) | 85 A- | $2.00 |
| 5 | Thorne ResveraCel | 84 A- | $2.00 |
| 6 | BulkSupplements L-Citrulline DL-Malate 1:1 Powder | 84 A- | $0.26 |
| 7 | Micro Ingredients L-Citrulline Malate Powder | 84 A- | $0.17 |
| 8 | Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode Nitric | 82 A- | $1.50 |
| 9 | Double Wood Magnesium Malate Supplement | 80 A- | $0.18 |
| 10 | Momentous Recovery | 78 B+ | $3.67 |
| 11 | Nutricost Nitric Oxide Booster | 76 B+ | $0.28 |
| 12 | Thorne Collagen Fit | 73 B+ | $1.87 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much DL-Malate should I take?
The typical range is 1000-2000 mg daily (often as 1:1 citrulline-malate ratio). Typically used continuously during training phases; benefits may take 4-8 weeks to manifest
When should I take DL-Malate?
Pre-workout or distributed throughout the day. Can be taken with or without food.
Which form of DL-Malate is best?
Powder. Other forms in the catalog: Capsule.
Is DL-Malate safe?
Commonly reported: Gastrointestinal distress at high doses, Mild laxative effect (dose-dependent), Nausea (rare).
Which DL-Malate supplement scores highest?
Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout, at 90/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Exercise performance and endurance
- Muscle fatigue reduction
- ATP production support
- Recovery enhancement
How it works
- Substrate in the citric acid cycle for ATP generation
- Enhances aerobic energy metabolism
- May buffer lactate accumulation during intense exercise
- Supports oxidative phosphorylation
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1000-2000 mg daily (often as 1:1 citrulline-malate ratio)
- Timing
- Pre-workout or distributed throughout the day
- With food
- Can be taken with or without food
- Duration
- Typically used continuously during training phases; benefits may take 4-8 weeks to manifest
- Special populations
- Generally recognized as safe; no specific population restrictions
Forms
- Powder· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal distress at high doses
- Mild laxative effect (dose-dependent)
- Nausea (rare)
Contraindications
- No major contraindications at typical supplemental doses
Products containing DL-Malate
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list DL-Malate on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Moderate preliminary evidence when combined with citrulline in 1:1 ratio for performance. Most human studies show modest benefits in specific exercise contexts; insufficient standalone RCT evidence for strong grading. Safety and mechanism are well-understood but efficacy data remain limited.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.