Aphrodisiac nutrients part II
by Gyan Nisarg, polymorphous@hotmail.com
Part I of this series concerned amino acids that I have found to be effective as sex-enhancing agents. This article will focus on some other nutrients that can enhance sexual pleasure and performance.
Choline and CDP-choline
I used to take choline whilst studying and noticed a marked improvement of mood, colour perception and eroticism. Choline is found widely in food, including eggs, meat, fish and nuts. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (AC) which, as well as assisting mental function, improves blood circulation to the genitals. AC is used to provide nitric oxide (NO), the chemical that Viagra selectively promotes (see L-Arginine in Part I). Choline can also increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is directly related to increased libido promotes (see L-Dopa in Part I).
Supplementary choline can be taken in doses of 500-3000 mg. Within an hour or two pro-sexual effects may include increased body temperature, greater skin and genital sensitivity, firmer erection in men and stronger vaginal contraction in female orgasm. Higher doses may lead to side effects, which can include sweating, mild nausea or diarrhoea and, if used regularly, tense neck and leg muscles.
Lecithin, or phosphatidylcholine (PC), is a precursor to choline and is frequently an ingredient in formulas that promise to boost ejaculate volume. However, the most effective form seems to be CDP-choline, which also occurs naturally in the body as a step between choline and PC. At doses of 250-750mg CDP-choline seems to be active more quickly and with lower side effects than choline.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 works with choline to increase NO production. It seems so counteract some of the muscle tension effects of choline and even alone increase sexual stamina and enjoyment. Vitamin B5 can be used alone or with choline at doses of 350-1000mg and can be taken 20 -30 minutes before sexual activity.
As in any area of life, optimal function is only possible with optimal nutrition, so a good multi-vitamin is recommend in addition to any pro-sexual supplements. A number of herbs, which have beneficial effects on sexual stamina and enjoyment, will be covered in a future article.
Further reading
Natural Sex Boosters by Ray Sahlelian
Better Sex Through Chemistry by John Morgenthaler and Dan Joy
