509 L-CITRULLINE SUPPLEMENTATION REDUCED PERIPHERAL BLOOD PRESSURE IN CHINESE ADULTS WITH PREHYPERTENSION

Abstract

Background: Prehypertension is a growing problem worldwide, and in Caucasian samples certain fruits or their supplements have demonstrated success in improving blood pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of L-citrulline in regulating blood pressure among Chinese adults with prehypertension. Methods: From 369 patients attending a free physical examination, 40 prehypertensive participants were identified and randomly allocated to: an intervention group who received one-to-one health education plus 3 g L-citrulline; and a control group gave a placebo, both twice a day. 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure was collected at baseline and eight weeks later and concentration of nitric oxide synthase at eight weeks later. Results: L-citrulline reduced the maximum, minimum and office systolic blood pressure; the maximum diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05); and maximum mean arterial pressure (p < 0.01). No significant effects were noted for the remaining blood pressure values notably the minimum diastolic blood pressure. Concentration of nitric oxide synthase was significantly up-regulated in the intervention group (p < 0.05) (Table 1).Conclusions: The results showed that L-citrulline automatically regulated blood pressure via improved nitric oxide production in Chinese adults with prehypertension.