What Is Arginine And Can It Help With Erectile Dysfunction? – Introduction
Argonine or L-arginine is an amino acid naturally produced in the body. It is also considered a quasi-essential amino acid since although it is made by the body naturally, sometimes it might require dietary supplementation. Interestingly, arginine also contributes to the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels. This allowed speculation about a range of remedies for erectile dysfunction, which occurs when a man cannot produce or sustain an erection strong enough to engage in sexual activity. This article will discuss the science behind arginine and whether it can be used to cure erectile dysfunction.
What Is Arginine And Can It Help With Erectile Dysfunction?
What is Arginine?
L-arginine is an amino acid that is almost always available in the body, but during stress and illness there may be a need to acquire it from outside. Arginine is involved in a host of physiologically crucial processes such as protein production, wound healing, immune system functioning, and hormone production, to name just a few. Arginine is an amino acid critical for most bodily functions because it is the precursor of NO, which is a powerful vasodilator that dilates blood vessels, and so facilitates the circulation.
Arginine and ED:
ED is often a vein problem that manifests as a lack of blood flow to the penis. Arginine, as a NO precursor, was one of those supplements that might help with sexual function. Research has indicated that arginine supplementation can boost NO production, making the blood vessels open and therefore, facilitate blood supply to the penis. A few studies demonstrate that arginine supplementation enhances erectile function in mild-to-moderate ED men.
Yet, the data about its effectiveness for ED are inconclusive, and some studies indicate no positive effects of Arginine. It should be said that the effectiveness of Arginine might depend on the underlying cause of ED, as well as the quantity and duration of supplementation. We will need further research to find the correct dosage and initiation schedule of Arginine to treat ED.
Five Ways Arginine can Help with Erectile Dysfunction:
1. Improving Blood Flow:
The first way arginine combats ED is by stimulating blood flow. Norepinephrine produced from arginine relaxes muscles in the corpus cavernosum, increasing blood flow and erection. But arginine also regulates blood flow outside the skin of the penis. In particular, arginine supplementation has been found to improve endothelial function and blood circulation in other parts of the body, such as the heart and brain.
Many have shown arginine improves blood flow. For instance, a meta-analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials demonstrated that arginine supplementation promoted endothelial function in those with cardiovascular disease. In the same way, a randomised controlled trial of 27 healthy men demonstrated that arginine supplementation boosted blood flow to the brain. These findings indicate that arginine may improve circulation of the penis and reduce ED.
2. Boosting Testosterone Levels:
Testosterone is one of the most important hormones related to sexual potency and low levels can contribute to ED. Arginine has enhanced testosterone and hence improved erectile function and libido. Indeed, in one such experiment, published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, arginine supplementation enhanced testosterone levels in healthy men. Higher testosterone could improve your erectile function and sexual well-being. But it would take more research to fully understand the effects of arginine on testosterone levels and its clinical role in ED.
3. Reducing Oxidative Stress:
The underlying cause of ED is oxidative stress, which breaks down the endothelial cells of the blood vessels and alters blood flow to produce erection problems. Arginine is an antioxidant that inhibits oxidative stress, thereby increasing endothelial activity and maintaining a good erection. Yes, one article in the International Journal of Impotence Research reported that men with ED suffering from high oxidative stress reported better erectile function after taking arginine. This kind of evidence suggests that arginine may help decrease oxidative stress and ED symptoms, though there needs to be further validation as to effectiveness and safety.
4. Enhancing Nitric Oxide Production:
The fourth way that arginine alleviates ED is through its ability to produce nitric oxide (NO). NO is an effective vasodilator, and it is critical for healthy functioning of the cardiovascular system. In ED, NO is involved in the penile erection process. In particular, NO is secreted by the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels in the corpus cavernosum, the spongey structure in the penis that allows for erections. Activation of NO sets off a series of events that allow smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum, which then enlarges the blood supply and results in erection.
Arginine is an initiator of NO synthesis and its supplementation has been shown to boost NO production and thus enhance endothelial function. When 50 men with ED took 5 grams of oral arginine every day for six weeks, they had greater erectile function than those taking a placebo. They concluded that arginine supplementation increased endothelial dysfunction, thus reducing ED.
5. Treating Underlying Health Conditions:
ED can be the outcome of chronic disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Aside from that, arginine is thought to increase insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and endothelial health, which in turn could boost erectile function.
Conclusion: What Is Arginine And Can It Help With Erectile Dysfunction?
Argonine is, in short, an amino acid, and plays a massive role in the formation of nitric oxide in a wide variety of physiological processes throughout the body. While some of these studies indicate promising outcomes when it comes to its ability to help relieve erectile dysfunction, it will take further studies before we can draw a definitive conclusion. Every patient should be informed by a medical expert that he or she is taking some supplement, even arginine. Erectile dysfunction should be treated for the same conditions, if any, for which treatment has already been provided.
