Potential blood pressure lowering effect of L-citrulline supplementation in at risk populations: a meta-analysis
ISSN: 0034-6659
Article publication date: 10 May 2022
Issue publication date: 2 January 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effect of L-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged and elderly populations.
Design/methodology/approach
Three electronic databases, namely, Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus, were searched from 1990 to November 2020. Random effects model analysis was applied for quantitative data synthesis, and 6 trials with 150 participants were identified and included in the analysis.
Findings
Results showed an overall non-significant effect of L-citrulline supplementation on both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in middle-aged and elderly participants. However, stratified analysis indicated a significant reduction in SBP (SMD: −0.41, 95% CI: −0.84, 0.02; p = 0.06, heterogeneity p = 0.41; I2 = 10%) but not in DBP (SMD:−0.15, 95% CI: −0.57, 0.28; p = 0.51, heterogeneity p = 0.60; I2 = 0%), following longer-term (= 8 weeks) supplementation of L-citrulline. Additionally, higher doses of L-citrulline (= 6 grams) showed a marginally significant reduction in DBP (SMD: −0.38, 95% CI: −0.78, 0.02; p = 0.06, heterogeneity p = 0.50; I2 = 0%).
Originality/value
In conclusion, a higher dosage and longer duration of supplementation with L-citrulline may have potential BP lowering effects in populations at an increased risk of hypertension
Keywords
Citation
Jafarnejad, S., Tsang, C. and Amin, N. (2023), "Potential blood pressure lowering effect of L-citrulline supplementation in at risk populations: a meta-analysis", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 53 No. 1, pp. 203-217. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-12-2021-0378
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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