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L-citrulline is an amino acid that the body produces naturally. Some people take l-citrulline supplements to enhance blood flow throughout the body. It is taken for a variety of reasons, with one of them being to potentially treat some cases of mild erectile dysfunction.
According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Urology, l-citrulline shows effectiveness in treating mild ED. In the study, all 24 participants began with an erection hardness of 3 on the Erection Hardness Scale (EHS). On this 0-4 scale, a 3 is hard enough for penetration but not completely hard.
Some men took a placebo daily over the span of a month, while others took a dose of l-citrulline. At the end of the month, half of the men who took l-citrulline increased to an erection hardness score of 4, which is a normal erection. This is compared to only 2 men who reported a score of 4 in the control group.
What is L-Citrulline?
As mentioned above, l-citrulline is an amino acid created by your body. It can also be found in certain foods, such as watermelon, legumes, nuts, and meat.
The body converts l-citrulline into l-arginine, which is an amino acid responsible for producing nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas that dilates blood vessels, in turn increasing blood flow.
This increase in blood flow is why it is believed to be effective in treating mild cases of physical erectile dysfunction. The theory is that taking l-citrulline daily increases blood flow to the genitals and makes it easier to get and maintain an erection. It is believed to help patients with clogged arteries and heart disease for the same reason.
L-citrulline also plays an important part in the urea cycle. It facilities the removal of ammonia, which is expelled in your urine.
How Much L-Citrulline to Take for ED
According to Examine.com, a typical dosage for l-citrulline is 1,000 mg 3 times a day with your meals if you are taking it to treat erectile dysfunction.
You cannot take it if you are taking any prescribed medications for ED. Also, consult with your physician to determine if l-citrulline is safe for you to take. The above dosage is only anecdotal. Remember that there is not an overwhelming amount of evidence to support its effectiveness. Don’t be disappointed if this supplement doesn’t solve your ED issues.
L-Citrulline vs L-Arginine
There are virtually no definitive studies that suggest one supplement is better to take than the other. Since the body turns l-citrulline into l-arginine, it’s easy to assume there is no difference in which one you take.
Some scientists theorize, though, that l-citrulline is better for a couple of reasons. The body seems to absorb l-citrulline better than l-arginine. This means the body is better at converting l-citrulline to l-arginine than it is at absorbing supplemental l-arginine. The difference between the two is definitely something to discuss with your physician.
L-Citrulline and ED - Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that there is no reliable timeframe for how long it takes l-citrulline to work for ED since it doesn’t work like typical erectile dysfunction medications. The best you can do is take it for a month and see if it works.
If you have tried supplements, prescription drugs, Vacuum Erection Devices, and injection therapy by a physician, and you continue to suffer from erectile dysfunction, you may be a candidate for a penile prosthesis for erectile dysfunction. Dr. Elist offers this treatment. Please call the office today for more information as well as the potential risks, complications, benefits, and alternatives.
Nothing said in this article takes the place of medical advice. Talk to your physician before taking l-citrulline or any other supplement. Make sure to let them know about any medications you are currently taking.
