Role of L-citrulline in Prevention of Pregnancy Associated Hypertension

Role of L-citrulline in Prevention of Pregnancy Associated Hypertension in Nulliparous Women

The target population for our study is healthy nulliparous pregnant women (first pregnancy) between the 12-16 week of pregnancy.

If a subject is eligible, written consent will be obtained by person to person contact. Eligible participants will be randomized to receive either daily L-citrulline supplementation or placebo.

Healthy nulliparous pregnant women (first pregnancy) between the 12-16 week of pregnancy will be eligible for this study. The purpose of this study will be to determine if daily supplementation of oral L-citrulline can reduce the incidence of pregnancy induced hypertension. This will be a double blind study, subjects will be randomized to receive either L-citrulline (3 gram sachet) or a placebo for a total of 8 weeks. Participants will be asked to provide urine and blood samples at time of enrollment, be asked to respond to a phone survey to assess for side effects, and again be asked to provide urine and blood samples at the end of 8 weeks. Participants will continue with routine prenatal care throughout the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Nulliparous (no previous pregnancy greater than 20 weeks)
• Gestational age of pregnancy between 12 and 16 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known fetal anomaly or chromosomal abnormality
• Early fetal growth restriction
• Fetal demise or planned termination
• Participation in another study that may influence this study
• Known maternal kidney disease
• Known maternal electrolyte imbalance
• Known allergies to study interventions
• Preexisting hypertension (chronic hypertension)
• Known gastric ulcer
• Incarcerated status
• Planned delivery at non-UTMB hospital
• Known lactose intolerance