L-Citrulline DL-Malate stands out as a compound formed from the amino acid citrulline and malic acid. People encounter this ingredient most often in nutrition, sports supplements, and food science arenas. It features solid physical properties, showing up as a white to off-white crystalline powder. This compound frequently offers a tart profile, thanks to the presence of malate. Looking at its chemical construction, the molecular formula C10H19NO8 covers both citrulline and two forms of malic acid (DL-malic), producing a versatile raw material for a range of industries. Sporting a molecular weight of 309.27 g/mol, this material proves manageable for precise measuring, mixing, and blending in formulas designed for consistent results.
L-Citrulline DL-Malate shows a composition where each L-citrulline molecule comes together with a DL-malic acid molecule. This results in increased solubility, allowing easier mixing with water and various other liquid solvents for fast, reliable dispersion. Whether you find it as powder, small flakes, or crystal-like “pearls,” it remains easy to weigh and dissolve, which is important for safe handling. In laboratory or industrial contexts, it shows a density of approximately 1.4 g/cm³. The crystalline, slightly granular texture makes its material identity clear, as does its relatively neutral aroma and tendency to form fine, dust-like grains if not handled carefully.
From a practical view, L-Citrulline DL-Malate ranks high for its water solubility, letting it dissolve almost instantly at room temperature. Preparing solutions often leads to a slightly cloudy or clear appearance, with little residue left behind. The quality of the raw material usually centers on purity levels, typically above 98%, and on the ratio between L-citrulline and malic acid (often 2:1 or 1:1). Such specifications affect how products perform in end applications—including food, beverage, and dietary supplement products. Packages usually hold the ingredient in solid, free-flowing powder to support easy dosing and safe storage.
For global trade, the HS Code plays a significant role in identifying this material. L-Citrulline DL-Malate falls under HS Code 2922.49, which refers to cyclic amides and their derivatives. This code matters for customs classification, import taxes, and adherence to international regulations. Manufacturers and importers should always verify the current code to avoid misclassification, which can cause shipping delays and affect compliance with food safety or hazardous material laws. Observing proper documentation for the molecular formula and CAS registration provides a strong foundation for regulatory consistency.
L-Citrulline DL-Malate is safe by design when handled with common laboratory or food production safety practices. Its role as an amino acid derivative and naturally occurring fruit acid enhances its profile for food, sports nutrition, and biochemical research. Even so, every chemical—even one sourced from natural origins—calls for respect. Dust inhalation can cause mild irritation to the nasal passages and eyes. Safe use comes down to responsible storage in dry, cool, sealed containers, away from direct sunlight and moisture. While L-Citrulline DL-Malate shows a low risk for acute toxicity, direct ingestion of excessive amounts—especially without dilution—can stress the digestive system. Protective gloves, safety glasses, and dust masks support safe work during weighing and mixing tasks. Safety data sheets list it as non-carcinogenic and non-mutagenic, reinforcing confidence for use in food and supplement contexts, but always with attention to purity standards.
This compound’s strongest asset lies in its function as a raw material. Food scientists and supplement manufacturers value its consistent solubility and stable crystalline form. Its molecular structure gives it the flexibility to act both as a nutritional component and as a buffer or acid regulator. The malate component partners with citrulline to offer a mild tartness and pH control ability—a practical advantage in beverages, gels, and functional foods. Makers rely on L-Citrulline DL-Malate for reliable mixing in protein powders, pre-workout drinks, and recovery solutions, where every gram measured matters for both outcomes and safety.
Consistent quality control stands central to safe, effective use. Labs often employ high-precision analytical balances for weighing, and rely on thorough methods to dissolve the solid powder, pearls, or flakes into measured liquid solutions. Carrying out regular purity testing (often through HPLC or titration) ensures the material meets label claims, while traceability of the lot number and CAS registry number creates a paper trail for safety audits. Packaging geared toward barrier protection and tamper evidence keeps the raw powder out of reach from moisture or airborne contaminants. Closed process systems in manufacturing plants limit exposure, where even small mistakes with powders can cloud the air and lead to unnecessary occupational exposure.
Even with the solid safety background, companies can reduce risks by stepping up staff training on powder handling and including clear hazard labeling on secondary packaging. Using integrated ventilation systems in weighing rooms and investing in automated dosing tools can cut down on both human error and incidental contact. Immediate clean-up of spills using vacuum suction and anti-static cloths ensures that the material remains safe and ready for inclusion in food, beverage, or supplement production lines. If a spill occurs, regular safety drills help guarantee workers know how to respond without delay as a second of hesitation in a lab or plant can turn a minor powder incident into a complicated clean-up job.
L-Citrulline DL-Malate provides more than a useful ingredient for a nutrition company’s pipeline or a laboratory’s product shelf. The blend of citrulline and malic acid supports targeted applications, while its strict purity standards and safe handling measures keep it at the front of material choices. Sustainable sourcing, robust regulatory compliance, and hands-on safety training keep producers, processors, and consumers safe. For those building formulations or shipping compounds across borders, understanding the specifications, solutions, density, and trade requirements of every lot used stands as the backbone of responsible business and the best way to capture both the science and story of this powerful amino acid derivative.