If you have researched natural remedies for erectile dysfunction, you may have come across L-Arginine. But what exactly is the correct L-arginine dosage for ED? In this article, we will try and shed some light on the science behind L-arginine and determine how much can be taken to treat ED.
What is L-Arginine?
L-Arginine is an amino acid that is produced naturally in the body. It is also found in high-protein foods such as fish, poultry, and soya. To find out more about L-Arginine, check out our “Complete Guide to L-Arginine”.
Taking L-Arginine
L-arginine typically comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and powders. In tablet and capsule form, doses of L-arginine tend to range between 500mg to 1000mg, whereas in powder form doses range between 1g to 3g.
Does L-Arginine work for ED?
One small study found that 31% of men reported an improvement in sexual function after being given 5g of L-arginine orally for 6 weeks. Further, a review by Douglas J. MacKay, ND, found that "the majority of studies using L-Arginine to treat ED show positive treatment results".
Due to the small number of trials conducted with L-arginine, there is currently no standardised dosage for treating ED.
Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor before taking L-arginine to ensure it is taken in safe amounts and does not interact with any medication you may be taking.
Side-effects of L-Arginine
Although L-arginine is considered to be “generally safe”, its side-effects can include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gout
- Allergic response
- Airway inflammation or worsening of asthma symptoms
- Increased risk of death if taken after a heart attack
- Re-triggering of herpes virus (if you have had cold sores or genital herpes)
L-arginine may also adversely interact with some types of medication, such as:
- Nitroglycerin
- High blood pressure medication
- Erectile dysfunction medication
- Anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs
- Diabetes drugs
- Isoproterenol
- Nitrates
- Diuretics
Once again, talk to your doctor before taking L-arginine to make sure it is safe for you and does not interact with any medication you are currently taking.
The numan take
Due to the small number of trials conducted with L-arginine, there is currently no standardised dosage for treating ED. Therefore, it is important to speak to your doctor before taking L-arginine to ensure it is safe for you to take and does not conflict with any medication you are on.
