In this article, we'll be talking about erectile dysfunction, how a vitamin deficiency could be causing your ED and which vitamins you should be taking to ensure both your body and erections are working as it should be.
Erectile dysfunction is a sexual condition that affects your ability to get or maintain an erection long enough for sex.
While erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, younger men can experience erectile dysfunction issues as well. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical factors like high blood pressure, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, or psychological factors like stress, anxiety or depression.
Ø Promotes increased testosterone levels
Ø Improve your performance and stamina in the bedroom
Ø Boost your sperm count and motility
Vitamins and minerals are essential to ensuring your organs and bones are developing as they should and that your body is performing as expected.
As they play vital roles in ensuring good health, if you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, this could potentially lead to negative effects impacting your body and wellbeing. It is possible that you are experiencing erectile dysfunction due a deficiency in one or more of the following vitamins:
While further research is necessary, there have been studies that suggested that a vitamin D deficiency could be a cause of erectile dysfunction. In a study done by the Medical University of Silesia, it was found that men who had a deficiency in vitamin D were more likely to develop erectile dysfunction compared to men who had healthy levels of vitamin D.
Being on the sunny island of Singapore, you can easily get your daily dose of vitamin D by going outside and basking in the sun. It is suggested that you spend between 5 to 30 minutes in the sun at least twice a week in order to get a sufficient amount of vitamin D.
Another great source of vitamin D can be found in foods like fish (sardines, salmon, tuna), vegetables (carrots, broccoli), dairy products (milk, cheese) and mushrooms.
Also known as ascorbic acid, having sufficient levels of vitamin C is vital in improving your blood flow and releasing nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important as it is responsible for relaxing the soft tissue in the penis, which in turn allows more blood to freely flow into the penis and create an erection.
Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body. Because of this, it is important that you make sure that your diet is high in vitamin C. Great sources of vitamin C can be found in foods like berries, tomatoes and citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges).
Also known as folic acid, vitamin B9 is important in synthesizing DNA and RNA, as well as producing healthy red blood cells.
In a study done by Wuhan University, it was found that men who had a vitamin B9 deficiency were more likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared to men who had healthy levels of vitamin B9. The study also linked vitamin B9 deficiency to premature ejaculation.
Great sources of vitamin B9 can be found in foods like eggs, leafy green vegetables (lettuce, broccoli, spinach), dairy products (milk, cheese), meats and seafood. You can also find vitamin B9 in foods like breads, cereals and grain products.
Also known as niacin, vitamin B3 is important to ensure metabolic function. Vitamin B3 also has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
In a study done by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, it was found that men who experienced erectile dysfunction saw improvements to their condition after incorporating vitamin B3 into their diet over the course of 12 weeks.
Great sources of vitamin B3 include foods like red meat, fish, eggs, wholegrain cereals and peanuts.
References
Krysiak, Robert et al. “The effect of low vitamin D status on sexual functioning and depressive symptoms in apparently healthy men: a pilot study.” International journal of impotence research vol. 30,5 (2018): 224-229. doi:10.1038/s41443-018-0041-7 (Link)
Ng, Chi-Fai et al. “Effect of niacin on erectile function in men suffering erectile dysfunction and dyslipidemia.” The journal of sexual medicine vol. 8,10 (2011): 2883-93. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02414.x (Link)
Yan, Wen-Jie et al. “A new potential risk factor in patients with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation: folate deficiency.” Asian journal of andrology vol. 16,6 (2014): 902-6. doi:10.4103/1008-682X.135981 (Link)
