When it comes to the most powerful health supplement ingredients in the treatment of male sexual health disorders such as erectile dysfunction, L-citrulline is almost always on top of the line. There are many reasons why health experts from all over the world recommend the use of L-citrulline in health supplement formulations. However, following the discovery that it may help cure sexual health conditions, many manufacturers of health supplement products have used the ingredient primarily for male supplement formulations. Today, many health studies are still being conducted to discover the effects of L-citrulline in the reproductive health, as well as its benefits to the human body as a whole.
What is L-citrulline?
The non-essential amino acid L-citrulline is one which is produced by the body and not necessarily needed for supplementation. However, with the depletion of the compound due to individual exposure to unhealthy lifestyle and unhealthy environment, studies reveal that L-citrulline now be supplemented to ensure maximum function of the compound in the body. L-citrulline is primarily useful in the enhancement of body circulation. This means that it promotes flow of blood in parts of the body which are often circulation-compromised due to various contributory factors. In relation to this, L-citrulline is said to prevent many conditions that are associated with poor blood flow.
L-citrulline benefits
Since L-citrulline is said to be useful to individual users, many studies have been conducted to provide foundational evidence to L-citrulline benefits. The following are among the most recognized L-citrulline benefits:
- It helps reduce blood pressure
Among hypertensive individuals, L-citrulline is often recommended to help maintain their blood pressures within normal levels. Studies show that L-citrulline is effective in increasing a certain compound known as nitric oxide in the blood. In turn, nitric oxide promotes dilation of blood vessels, which, in effect, reduces blood pressure. Generally, for purposes of using L-citrulline to reduce blood pressure, a physician’s prescription is advised.
- It boosts immunity functions
Another discovery in L-citrulline use is that it may fight off infections and promote health and wellness. As claimed in one health study, it was said that because L-citrulline helps promote blood flow, it also promotes flow of antibodies in infection sites. Hence, even before infection spreads in in the blood, antibodies and other essential enzymes are already brought to the area of infection through effective blood flow.
- It may enhance cognition and brain function
L-citrulline is also believed to help improve cognition and overall brain function. Several conditions associated with decelerated brain function are linked with slow blood flow in the brain. In effect, by increasing blood flow to the brain, L-citrulline is said to improve cognition, promote memory, and enhance overall thinking abilities.
L-citrulline for Erectile dysfunction
Among male individuals, one of the major health conditions associated with ineffective blood flow is erectile dysfunction. As established in various studies, both quantitative and qualitative, L-citrulline supplementation may help cure erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow towards the male genital area during sexual engagement. Many individuals have already testified on the effects of L-citrulline in treating erectile dysfunction. Experts are currently conducting studies to discover if L-citrulline may also help cure other male reproductive health conditions.
How long does it take for L-citrulline to work for erectile dysfunction?
The effect of L-citrulline among patients with erectile dysfunction usually varies. While some individuals are able to observe results after a few doses, it usually takes time for some others. Factors affecting the rate of effectiveness of the compound in erectile dysfunction include underlying health conditions that result to slow blood flow, including diabetes mellitus.
L-citrulline vs L-arginine
Among health supplement manufacturers, questions always arise on whether L-citrulline is better than L-arginine, or the other way around. The truth is L-citrulline is a derivative of L-arginine. However, the body may also produce L-citrulline from L-glutamine. In terms of absorption rate, many experts recommend the use of L-citrulline more than L-arginine. This is because L-citrulline is easier to absorb than L-arginine. Also, as found in health studies, L-citrulline is more effective in increasing arginine levels in the blood.
In some health supplement formulations, L-citrulline and L-arginine are usually taken together, so that the blood quantity of the compound may increase and its effectiveness be synergized.
L-citrulline dosage
The dosage for L-citrulline supplementation is fixed on a case-to-case basis. When taken by mouth, for the purpose of enhancing exercise effects, experts usually recommend up to five (5) grams per day for a period of seven days, or as prescribed by physicians.
However, if the compound is being taken among patients with heart failure to help cure the condition, around three (3) grams per day is the recommended dose.
L-citrulline side effects
There are no known severe side effects of using L-citrulline. However, some users have reported development of changes in urination. Said side effect may disappear overtime.
Conclusion
The intake of L-citrulline is useful not only among men but among women as well. This is because it promotes overall blood flow and prevents conditions associated with poor blood circulation. Hence, L-citrulline is highly recommended among individuals in general.