Effect of Citrulline Malate Supplementation on Physical Function and Biochemical Parameters in Physically Active Older Women

Effect of Citrulline Malate Supplementation During a Multicomponent Exercise Program on Physical Function and Biochemical Parameters in Physically Active Older Women: a Randomised Controlled Pilot Trial

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial was conducted with thirty-three community-dwelling women aged 65 years or over. Participants were assigned to a multicomponent training programme (three days per week) and received either 3 g per day of citrulline malate or a placebo. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention, including tests of physical performance (6MWT, sit-to-stand, SPPB), blood biomarkers (vitamin D, glucose, CK, hormones), and perceived quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF).

Each participant underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation by their primary care physician to confirm their health status and eligibility.

Inclusion criteria:

• Sex: women.
• Age: 60-75 years.

Exclusion criteria:

• Functional limitations (Barthel Index <100 and/or Lawton-Brody Scale <8).
• Musculoskeletal injuries within the past six months.
• Cardiovascular disease (e.g. advanced heart failure, unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension, aortic stenosis, thromboembolic events).
• Respiratory disorders (e.g. chronic respiratory failure or a moderate/severe BODEx index).
• Endocrine/metabolic diseases (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes).
• Neurological or psychiatric disorders (e.g. dementia).
• Prior use of ergogenic nutritional supplements.
• Any other condition deemed incompatible with moderate physical activity by the clinical team.