How Long Does It Take For L-citrulline To Work For ED? – Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most prevalent diseases afflicting millions of men worldwide. It is defined as an unresponsiveness to which a person is incapable, even with a sufficient sexual stimulus, of forming or maintaining a sufficient penis for proper sexual intercourse. Symptoms of this condition include pathologies, drug use, emotional stress, and lifestyle factors. Despite the broad spectrum of ED treatment options discussed above, L-citrulline supplementation is one promising non-pharmacological approach. Yet, what we still don’t know is when L-citrulline becomes effective in ED men. In this paper, we will discuss the possible outcomes of L-citrulline as a treatment modality for ED, and how long it will take to reap the benefits.
What is L-citrulline?
L-citrulline is an amino acid that is naturally generated in the body and is also found in foods like watermelon, cucumbers and pumpkin. It is converted to another amino acid, L-arginine, in the body. L-arginine is then converted into nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes and expands blood vessels to allow for a greater flow of blood. This matters for ED because deficient blood supply to the penis is a frequent contributor to the disease.
L-citrulline and ED
The association between L-citrulline and ED was first established in a 2011 study. For this experiment, 24 men with mild to moderate ED received either a placebo or 1.5 grams of L-citrulline per day for one month. They found that 12 of 24 men taking L-citrulline showed an increase in erectile function compared with none in the placebo group. That suggests that L-citrulline might be a viable ED remedy.
How long does it take for L-citrulline to act on ED?
For some individuals, it can take longer for L-citrulline to work than others. In the previous study, the subjects took L-citrulline for a month before they experienced an increase in their erectile function. But other researchers have indicated that L-citrulline can take a little bit longer to manifest its effects. In a 2014 study, three-month doses of L-citrulline showed better erectile function in men taking the drug than those receiving a placebo. This means it could take a bit longer for L-citrulline to be active and the effects might be stronger over time.
Factors that may affect the timeline for L-citrulline to work
1. Dosage and Formulation
How fast L-citrulline kicks in depends on the dosage. In one study, the equivalent of 6 to 8 grams of L-citrulline malate, a more widely consumed derivative of the food, was reported to have positive effects. But formulation can affect the rate at which nutrients get absorbed. L-citrulline malate, an analog of L-citrulline mixed with malic acid, might become faster than conventional L-citrulline in the future because of its higher bioavailability. Therefore, it is extremely crucial to know and select the correct dosage and formulation to calculate the time it might take to experience certain effects.
2. Metabolism by Individual
Rates of metabolism vary across people, and they play a huge role in how quickly L-citrulline gets incorporated into the body. It can affect a person’s age, their body size, or even their general health. Seniors (or individuals with more muscle mass), for instance, burn amino acids quite quickly; it would likely take them less time to perceive the activity of L-citrulline.
3. Timing of Supplementation
The timing of the intake of L-citrulline is another possibility. For the vast majority of athletes, it is better to consume this amino acid 30 minutes or an hour before a workout for optimal performance and recovery benefits. This pre-workout approach can result in faster perceived training movements. Other times, however, L-citrulline consumption may be less directly correlated with performance but can nonetheless have recovery and health advantages.
4. Nutritional Context
Diet can make an enormous impact on how your body handles supplements. If a person is on a diet that involves a great deal of protein and amino acids, then their citrulline intake may be supplied by the diet, and a supplementation may be less successful-or at least seen as less so. Alternatively, in a patient who consumes fewer proteins, L-citrulline’s effects can start to come out even sooner since the body might simply appreciate the extra dose of this amino acid.
5. Level of Physical Activity
The amount of physical activity a person performs also influences how long it takes to start enjoying the benefits of L-citrulline. Working out addicts measure the effect of this amino acid on stamina and repair in a far quicker time frame than those who spend most of their days indoors. This might be because the physiological demands of exercise push L-citrulline to work more quickly to aid in the increase of blood flow and the delivery of nutrients to the muscles.
6. Hydration Status
Other key aspects to the effectiveness of L-citrulline include adequate hydration. Hydration facilitates circulation and transport of nutrients, including amino acids, in the body. Dehydration could negatively impact the action of L-citrulline and slow down the pace at which you are supposed to benefit from it. Drinking enough water, therefore, before and during exercise will enable quicker benefits from L-citrulline supplements.
Conclusion: How Long Does It Take For L-citrulline To Work For ED?
Overall, L-citrulline is a natural supplement that shows promise for treating ED by enhancing nitric oxide, which opens up and constricts blood vessels, thus bringing more blood to the penis. It might take at least a month for L-citrulline to kick in, at least with ED, but longer term effects can be more substantial. Preparation and counseling with a health care provider before beginning a new supplement program, and adhering to the dosage prescribed, are the keys to success. Additionally, healthy living habits, such as a healthy diet, exercise and controlling stress support erectile function.
