Effect of L-Citrulline on Vascular Function

Texas Tech University25 enrolled

Overview

The objective of this project is to determine the importance of peripheral vascular function on gait performance in older adults.

This project employed a placebo controlled, double-blind, crossover trial. Participants were randomized to oral L-citrulline (6 g/day) or placebo (maltodextrin) for 14 days, and switched to the other treatment for another 14 days after washout. Peripheral vascular function was assessed under conditions of rest, leg exercise, and cognitive engagement. Gait performance was assessed using clinical walking tests.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Citrulline Blood Flow Aging

Interventions

L-citrullineDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

L-citrulline capsules given at 6 g/day

PlaceboOTHER

Maltodextrin capsules given as placebo

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 60 YearsMax age: 79 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * older adults * women and men * aged 60-79 yrs * must be able to swallow capsules * fully mobile without assistive walking devices Exclusion Criteria: * have physician diagnosed cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease * are current smokers * currently taking medications affecting cardiovascular function * have high blood pressure (\>159/99 mmHG) * have high fasting blood glucose (\>110 mg/dL) * are considered obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) * have orthopaedic limitations that limit walking ability * have pacemaker or other metal objects in their body

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Blood Flow

Femoral blood flow during leg exercise and carotid blood flow during mental activity measured using Doppler ultrasound. Blood-oxygen-level dependent contrast imaging of the brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during cognitive functioning.

Time frame: baseline and 2 weeks for L-citrulline and placebo

Secondary Outcomes

Gait Performance

Usual and fast walking speeds measured during short (7m) and long (400m) distances.

Time frame: baseline and 2 weeks for L-citrulline and placebo

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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