5 Supplements For Better Sex – Erectile Dysfunction Supplements

5 Supplements That Can Boost Your Erection and Sex Life

Skip the shady “Boner Blaster 5000” and consider these instead.

by Elizabeth Millard, Zachary Zane and Ashley Martens   Published: Jun 30, 2023

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Men’sHealth

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ Erection supplements are a multi-billion dollar a year endeavor.

‧ The supplement list below can go a long way towards helping your male enhancement goals.

‧ Certain supplements- like L-Arginine can be an alternative to erector drugs like Cialis.

It doesn’t matter what you call it—getting a boner, a hard-on, or wood—internet searches for stronger erections won’t stop. That’s especially true for people who are living with erectile dysfunction. It’s no surprise that the market for erectile dysfunction treatments is expected to reach 4.7 billion dollars in revenue by 2026.

There’s a big market for erection-boosting medications including Cialis and Viagra, especially given how easily you can access them via a prescription from your doctor and via telehealth companies like Hims and Roman that have them delivered to your door. But what about other options, like those over-the-counter supplements for a better sex life you see advertised on television or through random Instagram ads? Are those safe supplements for better sex and stronger erections?

Of the many supplements out there that claim to boost your erection and give you a better hard-on, many are dubious. There are significant dangers when it comes to “herbal Viagra,” explains Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, a urologist and sexual wellness expert at Orlando Health. This term is used to describe the natural supplements advertised to boost your erection.

If you go to a convenience store and see something behind the counter with a name like “Boner Blaster 5,000,” it’s a surefire way to know a supplement is not legit. “Even if you buy them at a big retailer, and they seem to be made of ‘natural’ ingredients, be cautious,” he says. “No one is regulating this stuff.” That’s concerning. It’s not clear what you could be putting in your body and there’s always the chance it could harm your overall health—including your sexual health.

Is it all bad, though? Are any of these over-the-counter erection supplements safe and effective for your sex life? Surprisingly, yes, there are a few. Here is what to know about a few expert-approved sex supplements that are good for your health and your erectile health.

Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are a maybe when it comes to protecting your heart and your erections. The research goes back and forth about whether fish oil supplements are really helpful for the heart. If the scales tip toward them being helpful to your heart, then your erections may benefit as well, explains Brahmbhatt. That’s because heart-healthy changes are geared toward improving blood flow and increasing the size of blood vessels, he says.

Your penis has the smallest blood vessels in your body, meaning they’re easier to get clogged up. And impeded blood flow is bad for erections, so anything that improves blood flow is good.

At first, it might not make sense that many blood pressure medications list erectile dysfunction as a side effect, he adds. That’s because they modulate the way that blood vessels open and close, which can reduce flow overall, especially down south.

By contrast, omega-3 fatty acids can have the opposite effect because they lower inflammation that might be affecting blood vessels, while also reducing blood clotting. That can help boost your blood flow. While you can get your omegas from supplements, getting them from foods such as fatty fish is your best bet.

L-Arginine

L-arginine is an essential amino acid that can be good for both heart health and erectile issues, Brahmbhatt says.

In fact, a study in the journal Andrology found that patients with severe or complete erectile dysfunction had L-arginine levels that were significantly lower than that of men with milder forms of ED. L-arginine might help trigger the production of nitric oxide, a compound important in getting and maintaining erections.

In addition, “L-Arginine is a peripheral vasodilator via a pathway similar to PDE5 inhibitors [those include Cialis and Viagra]. Vasodilation is associated with increased blood flow and thus possibly better erections,” says Peter Tsambarli, MD, assistant professor of urology at RUSH University Medical Center in Chicago.

L-arginine is found in most protein-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, beans, and dairy products, according to according to the Mayo Clinic, which has marked it as generally safe but cautions people who take blood pressure meds to talk to a doctor first.

This is good advice for any supplements if you’re on blood pressure medications, Brahmbhatt says. That’s because a product like L-arginine can reduce your blood pressure—which is great if it’s a bit too high, but not if you’re already bringing it down with meds. In that case, you may see a sudden and dramatic drop in pressure that could cause you to faint, or in extreme cases, have a stroke.

If you’re not on those meds and want to try the amino acid, Brahmbhatt suggests starting at a dose of about six grams a day to see how you tolerate it. In some people, the supplement can cause side effects including nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating.

L-Citrulline

In addition to L-Arginine, L-Citrulline may help with stronger erections. This is because L-Citrulline is converted in the body to L-Arginine, explains Tsambarli. L-Citrulline can also aid in the production of nitric oxide. “Nitric oxide is involved in vasodilation (widening and opening up of blood vessels) which can begin and maintain the erectile response,” says Michael Eisenberg, MD, professor of urology at Stanford Health.

A 2001 study published in Expert Opinion Pharmacotherapy states that “NO is the principal agent responsible for relaxation of penile smooth muscle.” (FYI, penile erection is a vascular phenomenon that directly results from smooth muscle relaxation along with arterial dilation and venous restriction.)

Vitamin D

Some studies suggest that men with vitamin D deficiencies are more likely to have erectile dysfunction, says Brahmbhatt. That may be because low levels of the vitamin are associated with diseases like hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Basically, blood flow issues that affect your system can also raise your risk of ED.

Although you can get some vitamin D from foods including salmon and eggs, along with sunshine, most people in the U.S. are lacking the vitamin, especially if you live in the northern part of the country, says Brianna Elliott, R.D., a coach at nutrition counseling service EvolutionEat.

She adds that the longer you maintain low levels, the more effects you might see, including potential ED. But how much you should take is a moving target. The National Institutes of Health recommends 600 IU, while the Endocrine Society suggests much higher levels of up to 2,000 IU daily.

“This would be a good topic for your next doctor visit,” Elliott says, noting that it’s easy to test for vitamin D levels, and from there, you can get a recommendation about dosage amounts based on that information.

Folic Acid (B9)

Another supplement that is good for overall health and wellness, including erectile health, is folic acid or B9. Some research has linked improvement in sexual performance with folic acid supplementation, which lowered levels of the amino acid homocysteine, explains Tsambarli. “Homocysteine levels were previously found to be higher in men with ED than their counterparts who were not suffering from ED.”

The bottom line on sexual supplements?

Despite the fact that there are some supplements that may help with erections to a certain extent, supplements are not held to the standards of pharmaceuticals. Always choose supplements with a third-party verification, like NSF or USP. “I always attempt to temper expectations when utilizing supplements for sexual performance,” says Tsambarli.

In general, here’s the best possible “supplement” you can take for your sex life: lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep habits, and lower stress levels all go a long way toward improving your health, as you’ve heard a million times.

“Overall health and sexual health are closely related,” explains Dr. Eisenberg. “Thus, anything that benefits heart health can also benefit sexual health. A good diet, exercise, and maintaining a good body weight can all help [as well].”

“Diet and exercise have consistently outperformed supplements and have a significant and reliable impact on sexual performance,” says Tsambarli.

“It’s definitely easier to stop at the gas station and get some shady supplement that makes promises about boosting your libido or increasing your girth,” Brahmbhatt says. “But play it safe, skip that junk, and do what’s proven to help your sex life: healthy lifestyle habits.”

 

 

 

Aloe for Male Enhancement: Is It Safe and Does It Work?

Aloe for Male Enhancement: Is It Safe and Does It Work?

Medically reviewed by Joseph Brito III, MD — Written by Rachael Zimlich on June 7, 2021

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Healthline

Edited for content.

Aloe vera can be found in many products. It can help boost the moisture content of your skin and even help heal burns and other wounds.

While it may seem like something of a miracle product, it can’t help with everything. In fact, you may want to be cautious before applying it everywhere — including your genitalia.

Keep reading to find out how aloe vera can be used for sexual health and when to avoid it.

What is male enhancement?

Male enhancement is a general phrase used to describe any efforts to improve the appearance, size, or function of genitalia — specifically the penis.

Some common enhancement strategies include:

  • stretches and exercises
  • topical or oral medications and herbal remedies
  • pumps
  • clamps and rings
  • surgery
  • grooming techniques

The goal of these strategies is to increase the size or appearance of the penis, improve erection strength and duration, or resolve ejaculation issues.

In some cases, male enhancement aims to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). This term typically refers to the inability to have or maintain an erection, but there can be varying levels of ED. In many cases, there’s another root issue, like cardiovascular disease or a medication side effect.

Improvement of ED is commonly pursued either for sexual pleasure or fertility purposes. Treatments should be designed based on the goal in mind.

Talk with a doctor about your specific symptoms and goals before beginning any new therapies or medications.

Does research support the use of topical aloe vera for male enhancement?

The use of aloe vera for general health and skin care is fairly common. However, you may be wondering if it could be used for male enhancement.

Most herbal or plant remedies are based in cultural practices, but there’s not a lot of clinical research on some claims of aloe vera benefits, like male enhancement.

Some studies have been done with animals, but the results were generally inconclusive. If anything, some of these studies raised concern about the use of aloe vera for sexual health benefits.

Here’s a breakdown of some relevant research in this area:

  • In a 2011 animal study, topical aloe vera reduced sperm concentration and quality.
  • A 2014 study showed possible benefits to sperm health and hormone levels in mice that received injections of an aloe vera compound.
  • A 2015 study showed that that aloe vera may potentially harm fertility in male rats.
  • There have been reports of libido enhancement with aloe use, but results may vary based on the specific form of aloe.

If you’re concerned about ED or another sexual health issue, talk with a healthcare professional. They can help guide you toward the right treatment for your situation.

Other natural treatments for male enhancement

There are many natural remedies you can try if you’re interested in male enhancement. However, you should always discuss any supplements you’re considering with a doctor first.

Several herbal remedies that have shown promising effects on male sexual health and performance include:

  • L-arginine
  • panax ginseng
  • L-citrulline
  • L-carnitine
  • gingko biloba

Other ways to improve your sexual health and performance include focusing on an overall healthy lifestyle, including:

  • staying active and exercising
  • eating a healthy diet
  • reducing stress
  • avoiding alcohol and other drugs
  • spending time outdoors

While regular exercise and a healthy diet are always good choices, talk with your doctor before starting any new therapies or supplements for male enhancement.

How is aloe vera used?

Aloe vera has been used on the skin and in the body for thousands of years. It can be found in all kinds of products — from juices to lotions.

Oral use of aloe vera usually comes in a pill form or as liquid extract or juice that you can drink. It’s thought to help with the following conditions:

  • obesity
  • diabetes
  • hepatitis
  • inflammatory bowel disease

However, there isn’t enough data to determine if oral aloe is effective for improving these conditions.

Evidence on the benefits of topical use — such as a gel, ointment, or lotion — is clearer, demonstrating that aloe can be helpful in treating:

  • acne
  • lichen planus
  • oral submucous fibrosis
  • burning mouth syndrome
  • burns
  • scabies
  • skin toxicity due to radiation

While aloe vera is generally considered safe, be sure to check the ingredients of the specific product you’re using.

Some oral aloe products may contain additional compounds that could result in side effects or interact with other medications. Even topical products may be mixed with alcohol compounds or other ingredients that can cause irritation.

Are there any possible side effects?

Aloe vera is widely used as both a topical and oral supplement. However, there have been some side effects linked to aloe vera use — either orally or topically — including:

  • liver problems
  • skin irritation
  • stomach pain or cramps
  • diarrhea
  • electrolyte imbalances

To avoid side effects, read the label of the product you’re using to understand all the ingredients it contains. You should also check for safety statements on the label.

For topical uses, it’s also a good idea to do a patch test by applying a small amount of product to an area of skin to test for sensitivity or irritation before applying liberally. This is particularly important when it comes to applying topicals, like aloe vera, to sensitive skin areas, like your genitalia.

The bottom line

There isn’t much evidence showing that aloe vera helps improve the size of your penis or your sexual performance.

However, if you decide to try it as a topical or oral supplement for enhancement, be sure to check the product’s safety, like performing a skin patch test before widespread application.

Always talk with your doctor or another healthcare professional about any supplements you plan on taking and your reason for taking them. They may be able to help treat the source of any sexual health problems you’re facing.

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

How to Boost Your Relationship and Sex Life with Healthy Eating

How to Boost Your Relationship and Sex Life with Healthy Eating

Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, RD, LD on May 11, 2016 — Written by Tara Gidus, MS, RD, CSSD, LD/N

This article is a repost which originally appeared on HealthLine

Food and sex

Much of the lore surrounding the desire- and performance-enhancing effects of certain foods is anecdotal. But a good diet can help boost your libido and ensure your body is working well. A poor diet can lead to a host of health issues, which may negatively effect your sex life. For example, erectile dysfunction is often linked to obesity and diabetes, which can be caused by a poor diet.

Food is an important part of your everyday life and overall health. So it may not surprise you that your diet can affect your sex life. Changing your eating habits and behaviors may not be a cure-all for sexual issues, but it’s a good place to start.

Diet and supplements

Eating a well-balanced diet and taking certain supplements may help improve your overall health and sex life. It’s also important to avoid drinking too much alcohol.

Healthy diet

Fueling your body with the right kinds of food can help boost your mood and energy levels to support a healthy relationship and sex life. For optimum health, eat a nutrient-rich diet that’s low in trans fats, saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. Eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean proteins. To avoid gaining weight, don’t eat more calories than you burn in a day.

Arginine and L-citrulline

Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is an amino acid used by your body to make nitric oxide. This important chemical helps your blood vessels relax, which promotes good blood flow. If you’re a man, good blood flow to the erectile tissues in your penis is important for sustaining an erection.

When you take supplemental arginine, your intestines break most of it down before it reaches your bloodstream. It may be more helpful to take L-citrulline supplements. L-citrulline is another amino acid that’s converted to arginine in your body. A small study published in Urology found that L-citrulline supplements were more effective than a placebo for treating mild erectile dysfunction.

Both amino acids are also found in foods. L-citrulline is found in foods such as watermelon. Arginine is found in many foods, including:

  • walnuts
  • almonds
  • fish
  • whey
  • fruits
  • leafy vegetables

Zinc

The link between zinc and sexual health isn’t completely understood, but zinc appears to affect your body’s production of testosterone. It’s also necessary for the development of sperm and semen in men. Adequate zinc levels may boost male fertility. Zinc and other nutrients, such as folate, may also impact female fertility.

Zinc is available in supplement form. It’s also found in some foods. Oysters are nature’s richest source of this essential element. Not surprisingly, they have traditionally been viewed as aphrodisiacs, capable of kindling sexual desire.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol may lower your inhibitions and increase the likelihood that you’ll engage in sexual activity. However, it can also cause acute or chronic erectile dysfunction. It can lead to unsafe behavior too. When you mix sex with alcohol, you’re less likely to use proper precautions to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Out of control drinking can also negatively affect your behavior and relationships with other people. Don’t rely on alcohol to improve your sex life.

Food-related habits and conflicts

Sometimes, food can be a source of stress and conflict in relationships. On the other hand, you and your partner may bond over shared meals together.

Eating together

In some sense, your brain is the most important sex organ. Sex begins with affection, intimacy, and desire. Mealtime is a great time to unwind with your partner and build intimacy in a relaxed and pleasurable setting.

Food conflicts

Sometimes, different food preferences and habits can be a source of stress in a relationship. To help build intimacy and trust, talk to your partner about issues surrounding your relationship with food. Sources of potential conflicts include:

  • cultural differences
  • religious dietary restrictions
  • tension between a vegetarian and omnivore
  • tension between a picky and adventurous eater

If either of you have a history of eating disorders or chronic dieting, that can also influence your relationships with food and each other.

Support

Body weight is tied to self-esteem and body image for many people. If your partner is trying to lose weight, help them along the way. If you know they’re an emotional eater, offer them support when they seem upset. Criticizing their food choices or looking over their shoulder while they’re eating won’t foster good feelings. Be supportive, not destructive.

Diet-related conditions

Many diet-related health conditions can negatively impact your sex life, as well as your overall health and quality of life. Take steps to prevent and treat diet-related conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Excess weight

Obesity has been linked to lower fertility. Being overweight or obese may also damage your self-esteem, which can affect your libido and desire to be intimate.

To lose excess weight, burn more calories than you consume. Eat healthy portion sizes and limit foods that are high in fat and added sugars. Getting regular exercise is also important.

High blood pressure

Eating too much sodium can increase your blood pressure and limit your blood flow. This can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and reduce blood flow to the vagina in women. Certain blood pressure medications can also cause undesired sexual side effects.

To help maintain healthy blood pressure, follow a well-balanced diet, don’t eat too much sodium, and include potassium-rich foods daily. If you think you’re experiencing negative side effects from blood pressure medication, talk to your doctor. An alternative medication may be available.

High cholesterol

A diet high in saturated or trans fats can increase your “bad” LDL cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can limit blood flow and contribute to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most heart disease. It can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

To help maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels, eat a well-balanced diet that’s rich in fiber and low in saturated and trans fats. Include foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Tips for a healthy sex life

Try these

  • Try oysters. They’re a source of zinc, which boosts your testosterone, and they are traditionally thought of as an aphrodisiac.
  • Eat together to unwind and bond.
  • Cut down on alcohol.
  • Eat watermelon or take L-citrulline supplements to promote healthy blood flow and help sustain erections.
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
  • Chang, C. S., Choi, J. B., Kim, H. J., & Park, S. B. (2011, December). Correlation between serum testosterone level and concentrations of copper and zinc in hair tissue. Biological Trace Element Research, 144(1-3), 264-271. Retrieved from
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21671089
  • Cormio, L., De Siati ,M., Lorusso, F., Selvaggio, O., Mirabella, L., Sanguedolce, F., … Carrieri, G. (2011, January). Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction. Urology, 77(1), 119-122
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21195829
  • Ebisch, I. M., Thomas, C. M., Peters, W. H., Braat, D. D., & Steegers-Theunissen, R. P. (2007, March-April). The importance of folate, zinc and antioxidants in the pathogenesis and prevention of subfertility. Human Reproduction Update, 13(2), 163-174
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17099205
  • Miner, M., Esposito, K., Guay, A., Montorsi, P., & Goldstein, I. (2012, March). Cardiometabolic risk and female sexual health: The Princeton III summary. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 9(3), 641-651
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22372651
  • Raj, A., Reed, E., Santana, M. C., Walley, A. Y., Welles, S. L., Horsburgh, C. R., … Silverman, J. G. (2009, April). The associations of binge alcohol use with HIV/STI risk and diagnosis among heterosexual African American men. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 101(1-2), 101-106
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19117698
  • Rubio, C., González Weller, D., Martín-Izquierdo, R. E., Revert, C., Rodríguez, I., & Hardisson, A. (2007, January-February). Zinc: An essential oligoelement. Nutricion Hospitalaria, 22(1), 101-107
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17260538
  • Wong, W. Y., Thomas, C. M., Merkus, J. M., Zielhuis, G. A., & Steegers-Theunissen, R. P. (2000, March). Male factor subfertility: Possible causes and the impact of nutritional factors. Fertility and Sterility, 73(3), 435-442
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10688992

L-Citrulline and L-Arginine: This One-Two Amino Acid Punch Can Improve Circulation—And Your Love Life!

Scientific studies show the combination of L-Citrulline and L-Arginine increases Nitric Oxide production for cardiovascular, immune boosting, and sexual health benefits!

This article is a repost which originally appeared on US Smart Publications

You have probably heard of the amino acid L-arginine, which is also called simply arginine.It is well known in the nutrition science community for its ability to increase nitric oxide production resulting in a wide variety of health benefits. But you probably have not heard much about its powerful amino acid cousin, L-citrulline, or just citrulline.If you eat at least six cups of watermelon every day then you’re getting an adequate dose of the amino acid citrulline. Citrulline’s name is actually derived from the Latin word for watermelon—citrullus—because it was first isolated from the fruit in 1930.1

What does L-Citrulline and L-Arginine do?

Together they help:

– Support cardiovascular health by boosting nitric oxide production and helping blood flow more easily throughout the body

– Support healthy blood pressure and boost the immune system

– Detoxify the liver and eliminate ammonia from the body

– Improve sexual stamina and enhance recovery from an intense workout

Who might benefit from taking a supplement containing
both citrulline and arginine?

– Anyone who wants to support healthy blood pressure Individuals who want to avoid angina (chest pain)

– Individuals who want to avoid leg pain due to poor blood circulation

– Anyone who wants protection from heart attack and stroke

– Men suffering from erectile dysfunction

– Athletes who want a faster recovery

How are citrulline and arginine related?

As soon as citrulline enters the kidney, vascular endothelium and other tissues, it is converted into arginine. Plasma and tissue levels of arginine increase, which is necessary for the production of nitric oxide and relaxation of blood vessels. An additional benefit of supplemental citrulline is that it helps eliminate ammonia, a highly toxic substance, from the liver.

Will citrulline and arginine help my sex life?

The answer is yes. Arginine has been well studied for its ability to enhance sexual satisfaction. Both men and women report longer and more intense orgasms when their intake of arginine increases. Additionally, arginine is often used by men to achieve long lasting and harder erections. Since citrulline is a precursor for arginine and arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, you can combine the two for enhanced sexual pleasure and vascular health.

But you’re probably not eating six cups of watermelon every day, and actually it isn’t recommended. Watermelon is high in fructose (fruit sugar) and it’s a natural diuretic, so you’d be spending a whole lot of time in the bathroom.

In addition to watermelon, citrulline is found in cucumbers and cantaloupe, at very low levels, as well as the milk protein casein. But since it is a nonessential amino acid, you don’t have to rely on getting citrulline from food. It is manufactured from other nutrients in your body, however, you only manufacture it if you are young and healthy and producing those other essential nutrients in adequate amounts!

The citrulline and arginine combination plays an essential role in your body

Citrulline, like arginine, is important in vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels, resulting from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, especially in the large arteries and veins and smaller arterioles.

The endothelium (inner lining) of blood vessels uses nitric oxide to signal the surrounding smooth muscle to relax. This results in a relaxing of the blood vessels, and increased blood flow.

In the body, citrulline is converted to the amino acid arginine, which goes on to make another important substance—nitric oxide. When citrulline enters the kidney, vascular endothelium and other tissues, it can be readily converted to arginine, thus raising plasma and tissue levels of arginine and enhancing nitric oxide production.2

The importance of nitric oxide to healthy blood flow

As stated, nitric oxide is integral to relaxing blood vessels which is necessary for healthy blood flow to the heart and genital area in both men and women, and throughout the body. Nitric oxide helps the blood vessels maintain their flexibility so that the blood flow is unrestricted. This, in turn, helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and a healthy sexual response.

When your vascular system is working efficiently there is less chance that a blood clot will form, which means there is less chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

Nitric oxide helps prevent blood clots because it prevents blood aggregation or platelets from becoming sticky. When platelets are not sticky they can move in a single file through the capillaries.

But if they are sticking together it’s like trying to move a dozen people through a crack in the wall. There is nowhere for the platelets to go, so a blood clot forms.

Additionally, nitric oxide works as an antioxidant that reduces the possibility of immune cells adhering to artery walls. This helps keep down inflammation,
which most health professionals agree is a major cause of the plaque formation that contributes to atherosclerosis.

What inhibits adequate nitric oxide production?

– People who have atherosclerosis, diabetes or hypertension (high bloodpressure) often show impaired nitric oxide pathways.3

– Over-consumption of salt can impair nitric oxide production.4

– Aging—as we get older there is a decrease in nitric oxide production because the body makes less citrulline and arginine.5

Boosting nitric oxide production with nutritional supplements

Supplemental arginine helps the body produce more nitric oxide, and it helps with conditions that improve when blood vessels are relaxed, such as atherosclerosis and intermittent claudication (difficulty walking due to pain in leg muscles because of inadequate blood supply).

Even more importantly, new studies are showing that supplemental citrulline also assists in nitric oxide production by boosting blood levels of arginine. It does this because it is more readily absorbed and bioavailable than arginine alone, and it bypasses metabolism in the liver and gastrointestinal tract and is readily absorbed in the kidneys.6, 7

Citrulline and arginine scientific studies

In the first study to show that oral supplementation with citrulline raises blood levels of arginine, 20 healthy volunteers were given 6 different dosing regimens of placebo, citrulline, and arginine.

After one week of oral supplementation, the citrulline dose increased plasma arginine concentration more effectively than arginine alone.8

A study in humans also showed the citrulline supplementation’s “time release” effect on arginine production. In this study an oral dose of 3.8 grams of citrulline resulted in a 227% peak increase in plasma arginine levels after 4 hours, compared with a 90% peak increase with the same dose of arginine.7,9

Thus, acute oral administration of citrulline appears to be considerably more efficient at raising plasma levels of arginine over the long term than arginine itself.7

Reduces blood pressure

In another recent study, citrulline supplementation was shown to reduce blood pressure in 17 young (average age 21.6 years) men with normal blood pressure after they were submitted to a cold pressor test (CPT). (A cold pressor test is a cardiovascular test done by having the subject immerse his hand into a bucket of ice water for one minute. Blood pressure and heart rate are then evaluated.)

Even more importantly, new studies are showing that supplemental citrulline also assists in nitric oxide production by boosting blood levels of arginine.

The men were randomly assigned to four weeks of oral citrulline (6 grams/day) or placebo in a crossover design. Blood pressure was measured after the blood pressor test. The results showed that compared to placebo, oral citrulline decreased brachial systolic blood pressure (-6 +/- 11 mm Hg), aortic systolic blood pressure (-4 +/- 10 mm Hg), and aortic pulse pressure (-3 +/- 6 mm Hg) during CPT but not at rest, suggesting improved production of nitric oxide under stress.10

Boosts immune system function

Citrulline’s beneficial effects on nitric oxide were also demonstrated in a group of male professional cyclists who took 6 grams of oral citrulline before a race. Researchers found that the racers’ levels of arginine increased, as well as their neutrophil immune cells.11

Citrulline’s enhancement of immunity may benefit endurance athletes as it has long been noted that immune defenses drop after an intense athletic event, increasing susceptibility to infection.12
Pharmaceutical drugs that stimulate nitric oxide production

Of course “Big Pharma” has developed a number of drugs that work to increase the production of nitric oxide in the body, but as usual they don’t work with the body like natural amino acids do and they are loaded with side effects.

Nitroglycerin and amyl nitrite serve as vasodilators because they are converted to nitric oxide in the body.

Sildenafil citrate, popularly known as Viagra®, stimulates erections primarily by enhancing signaling through the nitric oxide pathway in the penis.

But as mentioned, these drugs come with a long list of side effects, including headache, vision impairment, flushing, and rare but serious effects including heart attack and stroke.

Taking supplemental citrulline in combination with arginine is a great way to relax your blood vessels and avoid plaque build-up without drug side effects.
What to look for in a supplement

For each gram consumed, citrulline is more effective at raising nitric oxide levels (in vascular endothelium) than arginine alone. This is because approximately 50% of the arginine gets converted into other amino acids by the intestines and the liver. As the conversion of citrulline to arginine is not immediate, arginine will provide faster results.

As a convenient daily supplement in capsule form, citrulline is the best choice. This is because 6 grams (6,000 miligrams) of arginine is required to gain benefits. For those wanting to avoid swallowing a hand full of capsules, look for an arginine drink mix. Avoid pure arginine powder as the taste is awful, and the pH can burn the throat.

Taken together, you can get an immediate boost of nitric oxide production from the arginine, while allowing the citrulline time to produce additional arginine, for prolonged nitric oxide production.

This one-two punch of arginine and citrulline is a promising treatment for cardiovascular disease involving arginine deficiencies, reduced nitric oxide availability, and vascular dysfunction.

Together, citrulline and arginine supplementation is a natural and safe means of providing your body arginine, both short and long term. This combination can increase the natural production of nitric oxide, help reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke, boost your immune system, and improve your love live, all without the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs.
How are citrulline and arginine related?

As soon as citrulline enters the kidney, vascular endothelium and other tissues, it is converted into arginine. Plasma and tissue levels of arginine increase, which is necessary for the production of nitric oxide and relaxation of blood vessels.

An additional benefit of supplemental citrulline is that it helps eliminate ammonia, a highly toxic substance, from the liver.
Will citrulline and arginine help my sex life?

The answer is yes. Arginine has been well studied for its ability to enhance sexual satisfaction. Both men and women report longer and more intense orgasms when their intake of arginine increases. Additionally, arginine is often used by men to achieve long lasting and harder erections.

Since citrulline is a precursor for arginine and arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, you can combine the two for enhanced sexual pleasure and vascular health.
References

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