L-Citrulline Supplementation and Exercise in the Management of Sarcopenia.

2021-09-08
Nutrients 13(9)
- Alberto Caballero-García
- Jorge Pascual-Fernández
- David César Noriega-González
- Hugo J Bello
- Antoni Pons-Biescas
- Enrique Roche
- Alfredo Córdova-Martínez

PubMed: 34579009
DOI: 10.3390/nu13093133

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 44
Population: 44 participants aged from 60-73 years
Methods: Citrulline supplementation in a group that followed a physical activity program adapted to their age and capacities; volunteers divided in two groups: placebo (n = 22) and citrullline supplemented (n = 22)
Duration: six weeks

Rigorous Journal

Sarcopenia is a process associated to aging. Persistent inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle favour muscle wasting and decreased ability to perform physical activity. Controlled exercise can optimize blood flux and moderate the production of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, supplements that can work as a vasodilators and control oxidative stress, might be beneficial for active elders. In this context, we have tested citrulline supplementation in a group of 44 participants aged from 60-73 years that followed a physical activity program adapted to their age and capacities. Volunteers were divided in two groups: placebo (n = 22) and citrullline supplemented (n = 22). Different physical tests and blood extractions were performed at the beginning and at the end of intervention (six weeks). Strength and endurance showed a tendency to increase in the citrulline supplemented group, with no significant differences respect to placebo. However, walking speed in the citrulline supplemented group improved significantly compared to placebo. Markers of muscle damage as well as circulating levels of testosterone, cortisol and vitamin D showed no significant changes, but a tendency to improve at the end of intervention in the supplemented group compared to placebo. Additional studies are necessary to confirm the effect of citrulline supplementation in sarcopenia delay.

Research Insights

L-Citrulline→Improved Endurance
Strength and endurance showed a tendency to increase in the citrulline supplemented group, with no significant differences respect to placebo
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not stated
L-Citrulline→Improved Strength
Strength and endurance showed a tendency to increase in the citrulline supplemented group, with no significant differences respect to placebo
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not stated
L-Citrulline→Improved Walking Speed
walking speed in the citrulline supplemented group improved significantly compared to placebo
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
not stated
L-Citrulline→Increased Testosterone Level
Markers of muscle damage as well as circulating levels of testosterone, cortisol and vitamin D showed no significant changes, but a tendency to improve at the end of intervention in the supplemented group compared to placebo
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not stated
L-Citrulline→Increased Vitamin D Level
Markers of muscle damage as well as circulating levels of testosterone, cortisol and vitamin D showed no significant changes, but a tendency to improve at the end of intervention in the supplemented group compared to placebo
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not stated
L-Citrulline→Reduced Cortisol Levels
Markers of muscle damage as well as circulating levels of testosterone, cortisol and vitamin D showed no significant changes, but a tendency to improve at the end of intervention in the supplemented group compared to placebo
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not stated
L-Citrulline→Reduced Muscle Damage Marker
Markers of muscle damage as well as circulating levels of testosterone, cortisol and vitamin D showed no significant changes, but a tendency to improve at the end of intervention in the supplemented group compared to placebo
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not stated