Combined L-Citrulline Supplementation and Slow Velocity Low-Intensity Resistance Training Improves Leg Endothelial Function, Lean Mass, and Strength in Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether combined L-citrulline supplementation and slow velocity low-intensity resistance training (SVLIRT) would improve leg endothelial function, lean mass, and strength in hypertensive postmenopausal women.
Results Summary
CIT alone improved leg endothelial function (sfemFMD) after 4 weeks, and combined CIT + SVLIRT further enhanced sfemFMD, leg lean mass, and curl strength compared to placebo after 8 weeks. The effects were statistically significant and clinically meaningful.
Population
Hypertensive postmenopausal women
Effective Dosage
10 g/day
Duration
8 weeks (4 weeks CIT/placebo alone, 4 weeks CIT/placebo + SVLIRT)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L-citrulline supplementation (CIT) | increase | vascular function | - | - | improved | #1 |
slow velocity low-intensity resistance training (SVLIRT) | increase | vascular function | - | - | improved | #2 |
CIT | increase | superficial femoral artery flow-mediated dilation (sfemFMD) | hypertensive postmenopausal women | Δ1.8 ± 0.3% vs. PL: Δ−0.2 ± 0.5% | increased | #3 |
CIT + SVLIRT | increase | superficial femoral artery flow-mediated dilation (sfemFMD) | hypertensive postmenopausal women | Δ2.7 ± 0.5% vs. PL + SVLIRT: Δ−0.02 ± 0.5 | increased | #4 |
CIT + SVLIRT | increase | leg lean mass (LM) | hypertensive postmenopausal women | Δ0.49 ± 0.15 kg vs. Δ0.07 ± 0.12 kg | improved | #5 |
CIT + SVLIRT | increase | leg curl strength | hypertensive postmenopausal women | Δ6.9 ± 0.9 kg vs. Δ4.0 ± 1.0 kg | increased greater | #6 |
CIT supplementation alone | increase | leg endothelial function | hypertensive postmenopausal women | - | improved | #7 |
CIT combined with SVLIRT | increase | leg lean mass (LM) | hypertensive postmenopausal women | - | has additive benefits on | #8 |
CIT combined with SVLIRT | increase | curl strength | hypertensive postmenopausal women | - | has additive benefits on | #9 |
Hypertension is highly prevalent in postmenopausal women. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with hypertension and the age-related decreases in muscle mass and strength. L-citrulline supplementation (CIT) and slow velocity low-intensity resistance training (SVLIRT) have improved vascular function, but their effect on muscle mass is unclear. We investigated whether combined CIT and SVLIRT (CIT + SVLIRT) would have additional benefits on leg endothelial function (superficial femoral artery flow-mediated dilation (sfemFMD)), lean mass (LM), and strength in hypertensive postmenopausal women. Participants were randomized to CIT (10 g/day, n = 13) or placebo (PL, n = 11) alone for 4 weeks and CIT + SVLIRT or PL + SVLIRT for another 4 weeks. sfemFMD, leg LM and muscle strength were measured at 0, 4, and 8 weeks. CIT increased sfemFMD after 4 weeks (CIT: Δ1.8 ± 0.3% vs. PL: Δ−0.2 ± 0.5%, p < 0.05) and 8 weeks (CIT + SVLIRT: Δ2.7 ± 0.5% vs. PL + SVLIRT: Δ−0.02 ± 0.5, p = 0.003). Leg LM improved after CIT + SVLIRT compared to PL + SVLIRT (Δ0.49 ± 0.15 kg vs. Δ0.07 ± 0.12 kg, p < 0.05). Leg curl strength increased greater with CIT + SVLIRT compared to PL + SVLIRT (Δ6.9 ± 0.9 kg vs. Δ4.0 ± 1.0 kg, p < 0.05). CIT supplementation alone improved leg endothelial function and when combined with SVLIRT has additive benefits on leg LM and curl strength in hypertensive postmenopausal women.