ConsumerLab.com Answers
Question:
I have low blood pressure. Are there any supplements I should avoid?
Answer:
Certain supplements can cause decreases in blood pressure and should be used with caution if you already have low blood pressure. These are melatonin, arginine and large doses of magnesium. Calcium may also cause a very small decrease in blood pressure. Preliminary studies have found black cohosh may lower blood pressure in animals, but it is unclear whether it has this effect in people.
There are also a number of supplements that have been shown to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension (high blood pressure). These include fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids, garlic, potassium, flaxseed, certain strains of probiotics, and green coffee bean extract. While much of the evidence for these is focused on people with high blood pressure, they could potentially lower blood pressure in others. So, if you take one of these supplements and find your low blood pressure becomes even lower, try eliminating the supplement and see if your blood pressure improves.
Note that sexual enhancement supplements with undeclared drugs, such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) may also lower blood pressure (see the list of Recalls and Warnings for supplements found to contain these drugs).
For more about using these supplements, including the evidence, potential side effects, and our tests of products, use on the links above.
ConsumerLab.com Answers
Question:
Which supplements help with erectile dysfunction?
Answer:
As discussed in the Encyclopedia article about Erectile Dysfunction, there are several natural treatments which may be modestly helpful for erectile dysfunction.
For example, as discussed in ConsumerLab.com's Ginseng Supplements Review, Korean red ginseng has been shown in several clinical studies to improve erectile function in men with mild to moderate dysfunction. As noted in the Concerns and Cautions section, however, ginseng may affect blood sugar levels, and therefore should be used only with caution and under medical supervision in people with diabetes.
As discussed in the L-Arginine Supplements Review, there is some evidence that arginine supplements may be helpful for men with erectile dysfunction.
Certain forms of carnitine (propionyl-l-carnitine combined with acetyl-l-carnitine) have been shown in a clinical study to improve erectile function, and, in another study, propionyl-l-carnitine was shown to increase the effectiveness of sildenafil (Viagra) in men with diabetes who had previously failed to respond to the drug. ConsumerLab.com has tested carnitine supplements in its Acetyl-L-Carnitine Review.
As discussed in the Maca Supplements Review, maca root powder may slightly improve erectile function in young men with mild erectile dysfunction. It has also been found to significantly increase sexual desire (libido), in men.
DHEA may improve erectile dysfunction in men with low levels of this hormone, as noted in ConsumerLab.com's DHEA Supplements Review.
The compound yohimbine, from yohimbe bark, is marginally helpful for erectile dysfunction. ConsumerLab.com has tested supplements containing yohimbine as part of its Review of Sexual Enhancement Supplements. However, as noted in the Concerns and Cautions section, be aware that yohimbine may cause changes in blood pressure and have other adverse effects, as well as interact with certain medications.
Although epimedium (horny goat weed) is commonly promoted for erectile dysfunction, there is little evidence to support this use. Evidence and dosage for these and other enhancement supplement ingredients, including ginkgo, and deer velvet antler, plus safety concerns and potential drug interactions, and our tests of the quality of popular products, are found in the Review of Sexual Enhancement Supplements.
Rarely, erectile dysfunction and loss of libido have been reported when taking beta-sitosterol, which is found in certain Prostate Supplements as well as some Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements.
Be aware that many sexual enhancement supplements have been found to contain undeclared sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and related compounds, which could pose dangers, particularly as the amounts and identities of these compounds are not disclosed on labels (see the list of Warnings for supplements found to contain these drugs).
ConsumerLab.com Answers
Question:
Have any supplements been shown to increase women's libido?
Answer:
As discussed in the article "Sexual Dysfunction in Women" on ConsumerLab.com, there is no solid evidence for natural treatments for sexual dysfunction in women but several substances have shown promising results in preliminary trials.
As discussed in that article, one of the most promising approaches is DHEA, which may benefit older women but not younger women -- likely because levels of this natural hormone decline with age. ConsumerLab.com has tested and reviewed DHEA supplements in the DHEA Supplements Review. Be sure to take note, however, of the concerns and cautions associated DHEA.
As discussed on ConsumerLab.com's Maca Supplements Review, a small study found that maca powder may improve mood and increase sexual desire in postmenopausal women. Another small study in women taking SSRI antidepressant medication (which can cause low sexual desire) found that maca root powder significantly improved sexual desire and the number of enjoyable sexual experiences. (Small studies also suggest that maca may increase sexual desire and, possibly, erectile dysfunction, in men).
L-arginine has been promoted for increasing sexual desire and/or arousal in women, despite the fact that arginine alone has not been studied as a treatment for women. However, as noted in ConsumerLab.com's L-Arginine Supplements Review, a combination formula containing L-arginine as well Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba extract, damiana, and various vitamins and minerals was found to increase sexual desire, frequency of orgasm, and satisfaction with sex life in women with decreased libido, compared to placebo.
Kava, which is typically taken to relieve anxiety, was shown to increase sexual desire in women with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Information regarding dosage and safety with this herb are discussed in the Kava article on ConsumerLab.com.
Ashwagandha extract has been shown in one study to increase sexual arousal, lubrication and satisfaction, but not sexual desire, in women with low desire and arousal, as discussed in ConsumerLab.com's Ashwagandha Supplements Review.
Ginseng may also improve sexual arousal in menopausal women, as noted in ConsumerLab.com's Ginseng Supplements Review.
Also see:
ConsumerLab.com's Sexual Enhancer's Review (including tests of yohimbe and horny goat weed supplements)
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Product Review: Review of L-Arginine Supplements |
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Initial Posting: 8/25/17 Last Update: 5/25/18
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Make Sure the L-Arginine Supplement You Take Passed Our TestsWhich L-Arginine Supplements Are Best?
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L-arginine (also referred to as just arginine) is an amino acid that may increase blood flow and is promoted for improving symptoms of certain cardiovascular diseases, as well as for improving exercise and sports performance, and sexual function. But does arginine really help with all of these conditions? And, if it does help, which arginine supplements are best?
To answer these questions, ConsumerLab.com carefully reviewed the clinical evidence, and purchased, tested, and compared popular arginine supplements. We found one product contained less L-arginine than claimed on the label. Among those that contained what they claimed, we identified those that provide the best value — making them our Top Picks.
We found the quality of products to be generally high. However, the suggested dosage of L-arginine for some products may not be effective for their expected use. We also found the cost of L-arginine varied among products, with some offering better value than others.
You must be a ConsumerLab.com member to get the full test results along with ConsumerLab.com's findings, recommendations, and quality ratings. You'll get results for 18 L-arginine supplements: ten selected by ConsumerLab.com and eight that passed the same testing in our voluntary Quality Certification Program. There's also information about one product that is similar to one which passed testing but is sold under a different brand name.
You'll get the following information about L-arginine supplements in this comprehensive report:
- Which L-arginine supplements passed or failed testing
- Which L-arginine supplements are the best value and CL's Top Picks
- What L-arginine can and cannot do for your health
- How forms of L-arginine ("free form," L-arginine HCl, and L-arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate) differ from one another
- The dose of L-arginine for specific uses
- What to look for on product labels and how to take L-arginine supplements
- Cautions, side effects, and drug interactions with L-arginine
Learn More About L-Arginine SupplementsQuestion:
I have low blood pressure. Are there any supplements I should avoid? Get the answer >>
Question:
Is L-arginine helpful or harmful for people with cancer? Get the answer >>
Question:
Which supplements help with erectile dysfunction? Get the answer >>
Question:
Have any supplements been shown to increase women's libido? Get the answer >>
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![Rexall [Dollar General] L- Arginine](https://cdn.consumerlab.com/images/products/Rexall-L-Arginine-Small-2017.jpg)
![Spring Valley [Walmart] L- Arginine](https://cdn.consumerlab.com/images/products/SpringValley-L-Arginine-Small-2017.jpg)
