The Claim

In malnourished older adults aged 80–92 years, 3 weeks of citrulline supplementation at 10 g per day did not significantly alter whole-body or liver protein synthesis rates compared to an isonitrogenous placebo of non-essential amino acids.

Source: Impact of 3-week citrulline supplementation on postprandial protein metabolism in malnourished older patients: The Ciproage randomized controlled trial.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
46score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Quantitative
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In malnourished adults aged 80 to 92, taking 10 grams of citrulline daily for 3 weeks had no measurable effect on protein synthesis in the whole body or the liver, compared to a placebo with the same amount of nitrogen from non-essential amino acids.

See the scientific wording

In malnourished older adults aged 80–92 years, 3 weeks of citrulline supplementation (10 g/day) did not significantly alter whole-body or liver protein synthesis rates compared to an isonitrogenous placebo of non-essential amino acids.

Why this might work

Taking citrulline does not make the liver or body make more protein because the amount of amino acids available and the signals that tell cells to build protein stay the same as when taking a dummy pill with similar nutrients.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Impact of 3-week citrulline supplementation on postprandial protein metabolism in malnourished older patients: The Ciproage randomized controlled trial.

    In older, malnourished people, taking citrulline for 3 weeks didn’t make their bodies or livers produce more protein than taking a dummy pill with similar nutrients. So, citrulline didn’t help boost protein-making in this group.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.