Arginine is a non-essential amino acid, which is a building block for making proteins in the body. There are 20 amino acids, 9 of which are essential, which means they must be consumed since our body cannot make them.
Arginine has become popular as a supplement for hypertension/cardiovascular dysfunction and is commonly found in supplements for erectile dysfunction. Inside the body, arginine is converted to nitric oxide, which causes dilation of the blood vessels and improve blood flow. Because of this increased blood flood, it may be helpful in treating erectile dysfunction (ED).
A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine looked at 10 different studies to analyze the effectiveness of arginine on ED and found that arginine was successful in the treatment of mild to moderate ED.
In addition, arginine may help with sperm production, especially if take with other dilators, antioxidants, or anti-inflammatories, but more research is needed on this topic. It is important to discuss any supplements with your doctor before taking them, because they may interfere with a current medication or have harmful side effects.
If you’re suffering from ED and would like more information on treatment options, contact us to schedule an appointment.
