Effect of L-Citrulline on Vascular Function

Impact of Reduced Arterial Stiffness on Peripheral Vascular Function and Mobility

Status

Completed

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT03127917

Enrollment

Registered

2017-04-25

Start date

2015-07-31

Completion date

2017-12-31

Last updated

2018-05-04

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Aging, Blood Flow, Citrulline

Keywords

Gait Speed, Cognitive Function

Brief summary

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

Detailed description

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.

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTL-citrulline

L-citrulline capsules given at 6 g/day

OTHERPlacebo

Maltodextrin capsules given as placebo

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

CROSSOVER

Primary purpose

OTHER

Masking

DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Masking description

Double-blind research study

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

60 Years to 79 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

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

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Blood Flow	baseline and 2 weeks for L-citrulline and placebo	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.

Secondary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Gait Performance	baseline and 2 weeks for L-citrulline and placebo	Usual and fast walking speeds measured during short (7m) and long (400m) distances.

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026