L-Arginine

The Natural Remedy for Erectile Dysfunction

L-arginine is an amino acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide. L-arginine signals smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels to relax, which dilates the blood vessels and increases blood flow. Relaxation of smooth muscle in the penis allows for enhanced blood flow, leading to an erection.

L-arginine is found naturally in foods such as meat, dairy, poultry and fish. It is also available as oral L-arginine supplements, which some product manufacturers market as a "natural Viagra").

In one study, after six weeks, involving 50 men who took L-arginine (5 grams a day) or a placebo a significantly more men taking L-arginine experienced an improvement in sexual function compared with men taking the placebo. Interestingly, it mostly benefited men who had initially low levels of nitric oxide.

Side effects may include digestive complaints. High doses of L-arginine may stimulate the body's production of gastrin, a hormone that increases stomach acid. For this reason, L-arginine may be harmful for individuals with ulcers and people taking drugs that are hard on the stomach.

L-arginine may also alter potassium levels in the body, especially in people with liver disease. It should not be taken by people who are on medications that alter potassium levels, such as potassium sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors.