L-Arginine for impotence

Do L-arginine supplements work for erectile failure?

Because of the expense and failure to respond to generic Viagra and cialis pills, many people have now been turning to natural remedies for treatment of impotence. Unfortunately, the alternative or natural supplement market is also overwhelming and almost everything underneath the sun is now being sold as a treatment for impotence.

L arginine is the precursor amino acid to make nitric oxide – which is a potent vasodilator, Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) acts by increasing levels of nitric oxide in the penis and thus this amino acid is now widely sold. Experimental studies show that L- arginine can increase penile blood flow and potentiate erections

L arginine is also found in many foods like meat, dairy products and fish. There are also a variety of oral supplements that contain l-arginine but the purity does vary from store to store.

In males, there are only a few reports that l arginine works, but there are also many studies, which reveal that it does nothing. L arginine can cause stomach cramps and should not be used by people who have peptic ulcer disease or reflux.

Moreover, l arginine can alter levels of potassium in body and is not recommended for people who are on water pills and have abnormal heart rhythms. Like Viagra, l arginine needs to be taken at least 1 hr prior to the anticipated sexual activity and the ejections are said to last 1-2 hours