L-Citrulline is a type of amino acid that is normally produced by the body. After its production, it gets converted by the kidneys to another amino acid – L-arginine. The latter substance affects the blood flow by creating nitric oxide, which widens the blood vessels, thus leading to the increase of the blood supply. All these compounds play an essential role in supporting the heart health and also boosting the immune system.

How can it be useful in the treatment of ED?

The most popular modern medications for the treatment of ED belong to the group of PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, etc.), which deliver their results by the effective relaxation of the smooth muscle of the penis. As a result of such relaxation, an increased amount of blood can be supplied to the penis, making erections firmer and more prolonged. It is impossible to achieve an erection without a proper amount of blood in the penis, which is something that can become problematic, especially with age, due to the cardiovascular and other problems.

Thanks to its ability to improve the blood circulation in the body, researchers support the idea of using L-Citrulline in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. According to the conducted study involving 24 patients, half of them experienced improvement of the mild and moderate erectile dysfunction symptoms. At the same time, further and more extensive research is required to come to a definite conclusion regarding the effectiveness of using the L-Citrulline supplement in severe cases. One of the L-Citrulline benefits that should be mentioned is that men that experience psychological discomfort using PDE5 inhibitors and other prescription drugs to treat ED tend to prefer L-Citrulline. The fact that L-Citrulline is a safe option makes it possible for men to try it before resorting to more powerful alternatives, such as PDE5 inhibitors, if needed.

Are there foods containing L-Citrulline?

A lot of men are in search of effective ways to prevent erectile dysfunction from developing in the first place. In addition to leading an active lifestyle, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful habits, such as excessive drinking and smoking, it is a great idea to look into the foods that contain L-Citrulline. It should be noted that if you already suffer from erectile dysfunction, these foods can be a great addition to the diet to increase the chances of successful treatment but they are unlikely to offer dramatic improvement.

 

Some of the foods that contain L-Citrulline are:

  • Watermelon (the richest source of L-Citrulline)
  • Cucumbers
  • Melons
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Peanuts
  • Chickpeas
  • Soy
  • Liver
  • Salmon
  • Walnuts
  • Almonds

A regular consumption of the mentioned foods can encourage the production of nitric oxide that is needed for firm erections. They help lower the levels of bad cholesterol and reduce the blood pressure.

L-Citrulline supplement: which dosage is right?

A more effective way to benefit from L-Citrulline is by taking the supplement. These days, there are no universal guidelines regarding the L-Citrulline dosage in the treatment of ED that can be appropriate for every man. However, according to the study, the majority of male patients can tolerate the dosages between 2 and 15 grams and get beneficial results. If you decide to take 3 mg of L-Citrulline a day, which is quite a standard amount, it is best to divide the chosen dosage into three equal parts and take it with meals, even though this is not a necessary condition. The selection of the exact dosage should depend on other health conditions that may be experienced by a person and how well the supplement is tolerated. For instance, if a man is prone to having low blood pressure, a high dosage of L-Citrulline is not recommended as it can aggravate the problem even more.

There are different supplements available out there, but they usually come in the powder form. The dosages of L-Citrulline powder can also vary from 500 milligrams to 1.5 grams depending on the producer. It should be mentioned that L-Citrulline is often only one ingredient in the supplement and there are additional nutrients or amino acids. In this case, you should look at the detailed description of each component and see how many milligrams or grams of L-Citrulline are present.

You should always inform a medical specialist if you consume any other drugs or supplements to avoid any potential interactions. It’s important to be especially careful with the consumption of L-Citrulline if you already take any blood pressure drugs. The reason for this is that a combination of the supplement and drugs can lead to the sudden drops in blood pressure. Also, the supplement should not be taken along with any ED medications, such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and nitrates for the treatment of heart problems.

As opposed to chemical drugs, L-Citrulline represents a natural treatment so if there are no contraindications to consuming the supplement, it is certainly a great starting point for men suffering from mild to moderate symptoms of ED. Just like with any other treatment methods, it’s important to compare its benefits to risks before deciding to use it.