Effect of Citrulline and Leucine Intake with Exercises on Body Composition, Physical Activity, and Amino Acid Concentration in Older Women: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo - Controlled Study

December 2021
Mijin Kim, Hiroko Isoda and Tomohiro Okura

Abstract

The combined intake of citrulline (CIT) and leucine (LEU) can stimulate protein synthesis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of combined intake of CIT and LEU accompanied by exercise for 20 weeks on body composition, physical activity (PA), and amino acid concentrations in older Japanese women with low body mass index (BMI) (16 to 21 kg/m2) using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The supplement was administered twice a day for 20 weeks (Ex (exercise) + CIT·LEU group, n = 10: mainly 0.8 g CIT and 1.6 g LEU; Ex + Placebo group, n = 13: mainly 3.5 g carbohydrate).

Additionally, both groups exercised (weight-bearing exercise, square stepping exercise) once a week for 75 min. Body composition, PA, and amino acid concentrations in the plasma were measured. Body weight, BMI, body mass, household PA, total PA, and phenylalanine significantly increased in the Ex + CIT·LEU group (p < 0.05) post intervention.

This study suggests that the combined intake of CIT and LEU accompanied by exercise can improve body weight, BMI, body mass, and PA in older women with low BMI, which may prevent sarcopenia and frailty.

Keywords: leucine; citrulline; body composition; physical activity; aging; low BMI; sarcopenia