L-Citrulline Dosage for ED: Can It Address ED?

​What’s the right L-citrulline dosage for ED? Is it really effective?

Those questions would most likely have popped-up in your head after reading the title of this article. After all, what could citrulline malate, a non-essential amino acid, do for erectile dysfunction?

​Well, it turns out that L-citrulline plays a crucial role in vasodilation. And, as previously mentioned in one of our articles, vasodilation is an important bodily function to focus on when it comes to fighting erectile dysfunction.

Although it isn’t necessary in the production of nitric oxide, supplementation with L-citrulline can boost nitric oxide levels. With this increase, more penile smooth muscle nerve fibers are activated to relax.

This would cause the penile smooth muscle to fill up with more blood. Then, the sinusoids also fill up with blood to retain the erection.

​Due to the increase in nitric oxide, L-citrulline also alleviates endothelial dysfunction.

Often seen as the root cause for cardiovascular disease, this problem can impair the blood flow and nutrient delivery in crucial erectile tissues. In addition to this, since this type of disease can often be the cause of erectile dysfunction, it’s no surprise that improving endothelial function can recover erectile function.  

​Endothelial dysfunction is caused by aging, particularly from nitric oxide deficiency and oxidation. L-citrulline supplementation can address both of these by increasing nitric oxide production and suppressing oxidative stress.

​Because of the said benefits, the amino acid can even be a potential preventive measure for cardiovascular diseases. Experts are currently looking in this direction for future research.

Erectile dysfunction is often a manifestation of atherosclerosis. This is due to, at least, one blocked blood vessel, making it difficult for blood to flow to the penis in order to achieve an erection—even preventing nocturnal penile tumescence. 

So, if these clogged and hardened arteries are made healthy again, erectile dysfunction could improve and, even, be wholly reversed.

​Interestingly, L-citrulline supplementation can halt and reverse the progression of atherosclerosis. And, researchers have found that with such improvements, beneficial changes to erectile function can also be achieved.

To make the most of L-citrulline supplements, you should take three 1,200mg doses daily. And, for better effect, take it with food rich in nitrates (such as dark leafy vegetables).

Eating nitrate-rich food is by itself beneficial, but the amino acid makes it easier for the body to have enough nitric oxide—and actually, that’s one of the most important benefits of L-citrulline.

​Simply put, by taking L-citrulline powder or any other form of the supplement, you get to produce lots of L-arginine. Now, with nitric oxide synthase (a natural enzyme), arginine gets converted into nitric oxide.

​In that sense, there’s really no need to take both L-arginine and L-citrulline. L-arginine supplementation is somewhat redundant, especially if you’re taking L-citrulline AKG—a special blend that contains alpha ketoglutarate, which improves arginine conversion.

Also, if you’re taking pre-workout supplements, check their labels first before buying a bottle of L-citrulline malate. As you’ve guessed, the organic compound is a common ingredient of those pump boosters.