Erectile dysfunction (ED) is classified as a symptom rather than as a medical issue in most cases. Even though there are numerous potential causes of erectile dysfunction, the most prevalent include medical diseases such as diabetes, sleep difficulties, and heart disease, as well as unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol abuse or overuse.
Some causes of erectile dysfunction, like aging, are unavoidable. A healthy lifestyle, on the other hand, appears to be associated with a lower risk of ED, according to a study. Maintaining a healthy body weight through physical activity, for example, has been shown to be connected with a lower incidence of erectile dysfunction
Despite the fact that ED can be treated with prescription medications or medical procedures, there has been an increase in interest in alternative therapies to alleviate the symptoms of the condition.
Many people, in particular, may be concerned about the efficacy of specific nutritional supplements and vitamins. This page provides information on which supplements and vitamins may be beneficial in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Supplements and the treatment of erectile dysfunction
The use of supplements to treat ED has not been shown conclusively, however some study suggests that some vitamins and herbal therapies may help to alleviate the symptoms of the condition.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin.
Vitamin D is one of the vitamins that has been extensively researched in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In terms of hormones, it’s a steroid hormone that has been connected to both sexual function and heart health.
According to a 2020 study, there is a statistically significant relationship between low vitamin D levels and the severity of ED. This shows that low vitamin D levels when compared to adequate vitamin D levels, may exacerbate symptoms.
Another study conducted in 2016 on 92 guys with type 2 diabetes found that individuals with low vitamin D levels had a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction and worsening erectile dysfunction symptoms when compared to those with appropriate vitamin D levels.
Other research has also discovered a link between vitamin D insufficiency and erectile dysfunction.
Nonetheless, a 2019 study found no statistically significant link between vitamin D insufficiency and erectile dysfunction. While the study found no link between ED symptoms and other chronic illnesses (e.g., type 2 diabetes, heart disease), it did find a link between ED symptoms and low vitamin D levels.
Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) may benefit from vitamin D supplementation since it is thought to improve blood flow to the penis and aid in the production of male hormones such as testosterone. While this notion appears to be promising, additional research is required to corroborate it.
If you feel that you or a loved one may be suffering from a vitamin D deficiency, consult with a healthcare expert to get your levels evaluated. The majority of people may simply achieve optimal vitamin D levels by taking a vitamin D supplement.
Red ginseng.
Red ginseng is sometimes called “herbal Viagra” because it can help people with ED. It’s also called Panax ginseng, but that’s not the only name.
Red ginseng has compounds called ginsenosides that may help to relax the smooth muscle in the penis so that an erection can happen. Plus, it’s thought to improve cardiovascular health, which is linked to ED.
One 2018 study found that red ginseng made a big difference in the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) scores, compared to a placebo. There were also big changes in erectile function and sexual satisfaction.
Another study from 2021 found that there were some small improvements in ED symptoms, but the authors said that the effects may not be clinically important.
L-arginine
L-arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid that boosts the production of nitric oxide, which can help men get erections.
One 2019 study found that taking 1,500 to 5,000 mg of L-arginine made a big difference in IIEF scores. L-arginine may help people with mild to moderate ED, according to the authors.
Another randomized study from 2020 found that L-arginine (2,500 mg per day) was just as good as tadalafil (5 mg), a common ED drug. And when both therapies were used together, they made the most progress.
Another study found that taking L-alanine alone and taking it with tadalafil both helped with ED.
L-carnitine
L-carnitine is a type of amino acid that helps with fat metabolism, sperm production, and cardiovascular health. It may help with ED by improving blood flow to the penis.
Propionyl-L-carnitine, for example, has been shown to help people with ED when they use it with other medicines, like L-arginine and sildenafil (Viagra).
In a study of 54 men with ED, taking a supplement with Propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine, and niacin (vitamin B3) for three months made a big difference in their IIEF scores.
37 percent and 46 percent of people who took part in the study said that they had some or a lot of improvement in their ED symptoms, respectively. However, the study couldn’t say that L-carnitine was the only thing that made the symptoms better.
One study found that people who don’t respond to sildenafil (Viagra) may have low levels of L-carnitine and vitamin D, which could make the medication more effective if they took supplements.
There needs to be more clinical research before this can be used as a single treatment.
Tribulus terrestris
It is a plant that grows in the ground and can be found in
In traditional Chinese medicine and in Ayurvedic medicine, Tribulus Terrestris has been used as an aphrodisiac. This plant is small and leafy and has been used for this purpose.
In a 2014 randomized, double-blind study, people who took Tribestan (Tribulus Terrestris, 800 mg per day) for 30 days didn’t improve their IIEF scores more than people who took a placebo.
This is not the case, however. In 2017, a randomized, double-blind study found that IIEF scores rose significantly after taking Tribestan (Tribulus Terrestris, 1,500 mg per day for 12 weeks). The authors said it might be a good way to treat mild to moderate ED.
Another 2016 review said that even though research on Tribulus Terrestris in the treatment of ED isn’t clear, it may help with some symptoms. The authors said that more human tests are needed.
It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements to make sure they’re safe for you and don’t interact with any other medicines that you might be taking.
