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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
