Vitamins and supplements for erectile dysfunction
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Vitamins and Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Key Findings
Vitamin E and Ginseng Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction
A clinical trial found that a combined supplement of vitamin E and ginseng significantly improved erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction after six weeks, compared to a placebo. The supplement was well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to placebo. However, improvements were limited to erectile function, with no significant changes in other aspects of sexual health. The study suggests further research is needed with larger groups and longer follow-up periods to confirm these results .
Arginine and Other Nutraceuticals for Erectile Function
Meta-analyses and systematic reviews have shown that certain nutraceuticals, especially L-arginine, Panax ginseng, and Tribulus terrestris, can improve erectile function, particularly in men with mild to moderate symptoms. L-arginine supplements (1,500–5,000 mg daily) were found to significantly improve erectile function scores compared to placebo, with only mild and infrequent side effects. However, most dietary supplements on the market contain blends of ingredients, often at doses too low to be effective, and there is insufficient evidence to recommend these products as first-line therapy 24.
Antioxidant Supplementation and Erectile Dysfunction
A recent meta-analysis of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials found that antioxidant supplementation significantly improved erectile function, especially in men with more severe symptoms. The supplements were generally safe, with side effects similar to placebo. However, the review could not recommend specific products or dosages due to the variety of antioxidants and regimens studied, and the long-term safety and efficacy remain unclear .
B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate) and Erectile Dysfunction
Population-based research in the United States found that higher dietary intake of vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12 was associated with a lower risk of erectile dysfunction, especially among younger, healthier men. This suggests a potential protective role for these nutrients, though more research is needed to confirm causality and determine if supplementation is beneficial .
Vitamin D and Erectile Dysfunction: Mixed Evidence
Several studies and reviews have explored the link between vitamin D and erectile dysfunction:
- Observational studies show that men with erectile dysfunction, especially those with vascular (arteriogenic) causes, often have lower vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency may worsen erectile function by promoting endothelial dysfunction, which affects blood flow to the penis 58910.
- Mechanistically, vitamin D supports nitric oxide production and vascular health, both important for erections 5910.
- However, a large randomized controlled trial found that three years of vitamin D supplementation in older men did not reduce the prevalence of erectile dysfunction compared to placebo, suggesting that supplementation may not be effective for prevention or treatment in this group .
- Reviews emphasize that while vitamin D deficiency is common in men with erectile dysfunction, especially those with cardiovascular risk factors, the evidence for supplementation as a treatment is inconclusive and more high-quality studies are needed 5910.
Conclusion
Some vitamins and supplements—such as vitamin E with ginseng, L-arginine, certain antioxidants, and B vitamins—show potential benefits for erectile dysfunction, particularly in specific populations or when deficiencies are present 12347. Vitamin D deficiency is common in men with erectile dysfunction, but current evidence does not support routine supplementation for all men with ED, especially older adults, without confirmed deficiency 568910. Most marketed supplements contain blends with unproven efficacy, and none should replace established medical treatments. Men experiencing erectile dysfunction should consult healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and evidence-based management.
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