L-Citrulline Supports Vascular and Muscular Benefits of Exercise Training in Older Adults

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2020 Jul;48(3):133-139. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000223.

Abstract

Age-associated reduction in endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthesis contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases and sarcopenia. L-Citrulline is a precursor of NO with the ability to improve vascular function and muscle protein synthesis. We hypothesize that vascular and muscular benefits associated with oral L-citrulline supplementation might be augmented by concomitant supplementation with exercise training in older adults.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology*
  • Arginine / blood
  • Biological Availability
  • Body Mass Index
  • Citrulline / administration & dosage*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Muscle Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Muscle Strength
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Nitric Oxide / biosynthesis
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Physical Conditioning, Human / physiology*

Substances

  • Muscle Proteins
  • Citrulline
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Arginine