Effect of 4 Weeks of Citrulline and Glutathione Supplementation on Arterial Function

L-Citrulline is a non-protein amino acid and an efficient precursor of L-arginine, the substrate for endothelial nitric oxide synthesis. Glutathione is a tripeptide with antioxidant effects. Postmenopausal women will ingest 6g/d of L-Citrulline or 2g of L-Citrulline plus 200mg/d of glutathione or placebo (maltodextrin) for 4 weeks with vascular function testing prior to and after the intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• Generally healthy, postmenopausal women (defined as the absence of menstruation for at least 1 year).
• Between the ages of 50-79 years.
• Body mass index of 18.5 - 34.9 kg/m2.
• Brachial systolic blood pressure < 150 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg.
• Sedentary (defined as < 120 min/week of exercise).
• Be willing and able to comfortably abstain from any of food supplements for the period of time beginning 1 month prior to the study to the time of the termination of the study.
• Not participating as a subject in another study for at least 2 months prior to the study and for the duration of this study.

Exclusion criteria

• Current or prior use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes or other inhaled substance.
• Use of medications and/or any supplements that may affect outcome variables (such as arginine-containing supplements, nitroglycerin, statin drugs, but not limited to those.)
• Taking hormone replacement therapy during the 3 months before the study.
• More than a moderate intake of alcohol (>7 drink per week).
• Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other metabolic or chronic diseases.
• Musculoskeletal disorders that will prevent exercise performance.
• Currently taking more than one vasoactive drug for blood pressure control.

• Subject having no more than one drug for prevention, which does not affect variables, may be included, but will be diagnosed as not having a disease.