What Vitamins Are Good For ED?

• Contributing Factors of ED include

• Signs and Symptoms of ED include

• Treatment for ED

• Vitamins and supplements for ED

• Foods that have vitamins to Improve ED

• Ayurvedic Treatments

• Take Away

• Frequent Asked Questions

• References

ED is the most common condition where the genitalia cannot stand erect during lovemaking activities. ED might be due to various reasons and can lead to severe psychological tensions, damaged relationships, etc. 

This article will focus on the vitamins which would help to improve ED conditions.

Let us first look at the factors, symptoms, and treatments associated with ED and those that improve erectile function.

Contributing Factors of ED include:

• Diabetes
• Sleep disorders
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Hormonal conditions
• tension, strain, or depression
• Obesity
• Excessive consumption of alcohol, tab, and tobacco 

Signs and Symptoms of ED include:

• Unable to get an erection
• Unable to maintain an erection 
• Decreased lovemaking desire

Other associated disorders include

• Premature ejaculation
• Anorgasmia( inability to achieve orgasm)
• Delayed ejaculation

Treatment for ED:

Although ED may be treated with prescription medications or with medical procedures, there is growing interest in alternative treatments to alleviate ED symptoms.

Low levels of Testo can also cause ED. Also called Androgen replacement therapy, administered through oral medication, injections, transdermal patches, and also topical cream. Consult your doctor in case of any side effects caused after administration.

Your doctor will consult medications on a trial basis to see which medication works best for you. Prescription medications such as Via-agra, sild, vardenafil, etc. can be used as medical alternatives.

ED is caused due to psychological factors such as performance tension, strain, depression, etc. In such scenarios talking with your partner, spending quality time with your partner, and understanding your partner will help in reducing tension. You can also opt for relationship counselling to reconnect emotional bonds with your partner. 

ED can also be treated using a vacuum to stimulate erection. A tube is placed over the genital, a pump creates a vacuum by drawing air out of the tube. A plastic ring placed at the base of the genital helps in maintaining an erection which is left for 30 mins.

Penile implants are implants placed inside the genital to start an erection and also to maintain an erection.

Vitamins and supplements for ED:

The link between vitamin deficiency and ED is not yet proven clinically some vitamins can improve lovemaking health. 

If you have any vitamin deficiency, it is advised to take supplements only if it is necessary and after consulting your physician.

1. Vitamin D

Research shows that most ED patients have vitamin D deficiency. It helps in reducing inflammation and improving blood pressure and circulation. It also induces nitric oxide synthesis, which is crucial for erection. Symptoms of severe vitamin D  deficiency include weak muscles and bone pains, Thus Vitamin D helps to increase blood flow in the genital area. Sunlight is a significant source of vitamin D levels and regular exposure to sunlight. Mushrooms and fishes are also good sources of vitamin D. Taking proper vitamin D3 supplements can also help solve this issue.

A 2019 study found no evidence of a connection between ED and vitamin D insufficiency. However, it was noted that low levels of vitamin D and other chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, may make ED symptoms worse in certain people.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C enhances blood flow and increases Testo levels which could also help ED. Since our body cannot store vitamin C, you need to make sure to include sources of vitamin C in your regular diet and can also take supplements daily.

3. Vitamin B9

Also known as folic acid, its deficiency is found in many ED and premature ejaculation patients, as per a study conducted in 2014. In such cases taking supplements and vitamin B9, rich food can help to cure this problem.

4. Vitamin B3

 Also known as Niacin, a study suggests that Niacin can help in improving moderate to severe ED.

5. L arginine

A naturally occurring amino acid called L-arginine boosts the generation of nitric oxide, which may aid with erection stimulation. Research conducted on the effects of l-arginine on ED suggests that L-arginine supplements can effectively treat low to moderate ED.

Foods that have vitamins to Improve ED:

1. Sources of Vitamin D

• Sunlight
• Red meat
• Oily fishes such as salmon, sardines, etc
• Liver
• Egg yolk

2. Vitamin C sources

• Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, etc
• Pepper
• Strawberries
• Broccoli
• Brussel sprouts

3. Vitamin B9 sources

• Peas
• Kidney beans
• Liver
• Brussels sprout
• Green leafy vegetables such as spinach 

4. Vitamin B3 sources

• Meat
• Fish
• Eggs
• Wheat

5. L-arginine sources

• Pork
• Chicken
• Pumpkin seeds
• Soybeans
• Lentils
• Peanuts

Other remedies

These elements in particular contribute to ED.

• Smoking
• Obesity
• sedentary lifestyles
• abuse of alcohol

Smoking harms blood vessels throughout the body, making it more difficult for them to expand and transfer blood to the genital to cause an erection.

Herbal remedies

These herbal remedies are found to be very helpful in improving ED.

• Gingko Biloba
• Ginseng
• Yohimbine
• Tribulus Terrestris 
• Horny goat weed

Acupuncture

It can also aid in improving ED, but no significant research is done to prove it yet.

Ayurvedic Treatments

These treatments such as Vajikarana (also known as Vaishya chikitsa) are also found to be effective for ED along with premature ejaculation, increasing stamina, curing infertility, etc. however significant research is yet to be done.

Some exercises are also beneficial for improving ED. A study conducted in 2005 found that out of the two control groups, the one group which performed pelvic floor exercises along with lifestyle changes when compared to the group that only had lifestyle changes observed significant improvement in ED.

Exercise regimes such as aerobics and yoga can also help in reducing ED.

Take Away 

ED is often associated with psychological or cardiovascular diseases. ED can impact your relationship. While there are a plethora of treatments and remedies available, you need to choose them according to the reason. Consulting your doctor will help you determine the reasons and also find the right solution.

Frequent Asked Questions:

1. Is B12 good for ED?

Yes, Vitamin B12 is good for ED.

2. What does zinc do for ED? 

Through the brain's production of thyroid-releasing hormones, zinc aids the body in maintaining healthy thyroid function. Men who are deficient in Zn may not create enough of these hormones. That may impact Testo levels.

3. How much vitamin D should you take for ED?

Male Adults need to take 1500 to 2000 IU/day of vitamin D.

References:

1. Yong Wei 1, Peng Chen 1, Quanbing Chen 1, Hongru Zhu, Apr 2019, Serum vitamin D levels and ED: A systematic review and meta-analysis
2. L Mongioi 1, A E Calogero 1, E Vicari 1, R A Condorelli 1, G I Russo 2, S Privitera 2, G Morgia 2, S La Vignera, Sep 2016, The role of carnitine in male infertility
3. Joe K. C. Lee,1 Ronny B. W. Tan,2 and Eric Chung, Feb 2017, ED treatment and traditional medicine—can East and West medicine coexist?
4. Grace Dorey 1, Mark J Speakman, Roger C L Feneley, Annette Swinkels, Christopher D R Dunn, Sep 2005, Pelvic floor exercises for ED
5. Wen-Jie Yan,* Nan Yu,* Tai-Lang Yin, Yu-Jie Zou, and Jing Yang, Nov-Dec 2014, A new potential risk factor in patients with ED and premature ejaculation: folate deficiency.