Effect of L-citrulline and HIIT on Arterial Stiffness, Body Composition, and Lipid Profile in Adolescents with Steatosis Associated with Metabolic Dysfunction (MASLD)

The investigators hypothesize that citrulline and HIIT have additive effects on endothelial function in people with obesity and MASLD, in addition to improving metabolic, lipid and hepatic steatosis profile. the researcher´s aim is to evaluate the effect of citrulline and HIIT on arterial stiffness assessed by PWV in adolescents with MASLD. For this the investigators will perform a randomized, double-blind clinical study in 45 adolescents with MASLD and obesity, who will be supplemented with 6 g per day with L-citrulline or placebo (Carboxymethylcellulose) and will perform HIIT sessions for 12 weeks. At the beginning and at the end of the intervention, the level of arterial stiffness by means of PWV, body composition, biochemical and metabolic data, as well as the degree of hepatic steatosis will be evaluated.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of obesity and metabolic associated-dysfunction steatotic liver disease associated with (MASLD) and with moderate or severe steatosis
• History of physical inactivity
• They should not be under treatment with any dietary supplement or polyvitamins for weight loss at least 6 months before the study.
• They should not be smokers.
• Not have a diagnosis of any chronic degenerative disease
• Adolescents without fracture or musculoskeletal injury
• Patients without surgical procedures at least 1 month prior to the protocol.
• Women who are not pregnant or use oral contraceptives

Exclusion criteria

• Participants who do not complete at least 80% of the training sessions.
• Participants who miss 2 consecutive weeks of training.
• Who do not ingest the L-citrulline supplement or placebo.
• Participants who present allergy or intolerance to L-citrulline.
• Participants who present any injury during the intervention period that prevents them from performing the training.