L-Citrulline Supplementation and Exercise in the Management of Sarcopenia - PubMed (original) (raw)

Randomized Controlled Trial

L-Citrulline Supplementation and Exercise in the Management of Sarcopenia

Alberto Caballero-García et al. Nutrients. 2021.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: aging; muscle wasting; physical activity; sarcopenia.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1

Boxplots of circulating muscle markers at the end of intervention in the placebo and in the citrulline supplemented group. AST (alanine aminotransferase) and ALT (aspartate aminotransferase) are expressed in IU/L. CK (creatine kinase) is expressed in m IU/L. TP (total proteins) are expressed in g/dL.

Figure 2

Boxplots of circulating levels of cortisol (C) expressed in ng/mL, testosterone (T) expressed in ng/mL, and vitamin D (Vit D) expressed in ng/mL in the placebo group and in the citrulline supplemented group at the end of intervention.

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L-Citrulline Supplementation and Exercise in the Management of Sarcopenia - PubMed (original) (raw)