What Vitamins Help with Erectile Dysfunction?

A condition found in young and older adults, erectile dysfunction is something that few feel comfortable discussing with their doctor or even those closest to them. However, as we have learned about E.D. over the years, more and more treatment options have become available. While you may think treating E.D. only involves complex medical procedures, you have plenty of natural options to alleviate symptoms. If you are wondering what vitamins help with erectile dysfunction, here are some considered the best.

Top Vitamins that Help with Erectile Dysfunction

Getting the vitamins you need is important for your sexual health. Not only does the body need vitamins for optimal functioning, but they are also essential for your immune system. In addition, some supplements and E.D. treatments may also improve your sexual stamina. The vitamins and minerals you need are found in various foods, including red meat, brown rice, some cheeses, seafood, and wholegrain bread. Let’s break down some of the most common vitamins specialists recommend for alleviating E.D. symptoms.

Vitamin E

Should you have erectile dysfunction, getting more Vitamin E into your diet may be one way to lessen the effects. You can take it as a supplement or eat foods high in Vitamin E, such as peanut butter, almonds, spinach, peppers, and pumpkin. But first, you must know that Vitamin E ensures a healthy blood flow. It also fights against free radicals.

By improving your Vitamin E levels, for several weeks or months, your penis will have increased blood flow and oxygenation levels, which can help improve the frequency and quality of your erections.

Vitamin D

Since Vitamin E has been shown to improve E.D., you may wonder, “does Vitamin D help with erectile dysfunction as well?” According to researchers, the answer tends to be yes. Though it is more often associated with helping keep your body’s bones healthy and strong, Vitamin D is also related to healthy sexual function.

Researchers have found that in many cases, men who suffer from E.D. and other types of sexual disturbances also have low levels of Vitamin D. It has also been noted that if you have higher Vitamin D levels, your testosterone levels are also usually high as well, meaning you have a reduced likelihood of dealing with E.D.

Vitamin B3

Also known as niacin, Vitamin B3 is regularly used to treat men who suffer from various vascular conditions, making it a natural fit if you suffer from E.D. One of the vitamins for erectile dysfunction found in many popular foods such as peanuts, avocados, and turkey, niacin has proven to be particularly effective in treating E.D. in men with high cholesterol levels.

The biggest drawback to including it on the list of vitamins good for erectile dysfunction is that getting too much B3 in your system can put you at increased risk of developing more serious health problems, including:

• Ulcers
• Stroke
• Heart arrhythmias

Should Vitamin B3 deficiency be found to be the primary reason for your erectile dysfunction, you will need to work closely with your doctor to ensure your levels reach an acceptable range and stay there for an extended period.

Vitamin C

When examining the connection between erectile dysfunction and vitamins, Vitamin C is often not one of those near the top of the list. However, when you wonder, “can vitamins treat E.D.?” don’t overlook the benefits Vitamin C brings to the table.

Some studies in recent years have suggested that Vitamin C may help improve blood flow to the penis and help maintain or even increase testosterone levels in some men. Vitamin C is also well-known for helping improve your immune system, which may keep you in excellent health and possibly prevent other issues from developing that could ultimately result in erectile dysfunction.

Vitamin B12

Since you have seen how many other vitamins play a role in alleviating erectile dysfunction, you’re probably wondering, “does B12 impact it?” When considering what vitamins help with erectile dysfunction, Vitamin B12 is definitely on the list.

If you’re dealing with E.D. and also are a vegetarian, you might suffer from a Vitamin 12 deficiency, which, in turn, may lead to erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that well over 90 percent of men who classify themselves as vegetarians or vegans and suffer from E.D. have a Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Along with being unable to facilitate and maintain an erection, there are other signs you may suffer from a B12 deficiency, such as the following.

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Burning sensation in your hands and feet
• Problems concentrating

Vitamin B12 is stored primarily in your liver. By the time you begin to develop E.D. or notice other symptoms, your deficiency has become severe, as it takes many years to progress and show itself. Unfortunately, since it evolves slowly, it is also hard to replenish. It means you must be very patient and work closely with your doctor. Otherwise, liver problems could also develop and set your E.D. treatment back even further.

Folic Acid

Also known as Vitamin B9, folic acid is one of the best vitamins for E.D. due to its nitric oxide production, which is crucial in helping most men get and maintain an erectile response. Like zinc, folic acid can be found in many of your favorite foods, particularly citrus fruits such as oranges. Other common sources include leafy green vegetables such as kale or collard greens, pasta, rice, and bread.

Top Minerals, Amino-acids, and Hormones that Help with Erectile Dysfunction

Taking minerals and supplements for better sex is one of the best ways to keep your sexual health in tip-top shape. You should be aware, however, that some supplements contain potentially dangerous ingredients. Therefore, you should consult a doctor to ensure your supplements are safe and will not interact with other medications.

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the minerals for E.D. that probably gets less attention than it deserves. If you are discussing what substances help with erectile dysfunction with your doctor, they may not even bring up magnesium as one of the best solutions for your problem. However, it can be vital in helping you with your condition.

Closely linked to Vitamin D, normal magnesium levels allow blood arteries to relax. However, should your magnesium levels be too low, blood vessels usually constrict, elevating your blood pressure, neither of which will help you have or maintain an erection. In addition, since low magnesium levels prevent your penile vein from completely relaxing as it should, you will likely develop erectile dysfunction.

Zinc

Zinc is an easy supplement to take, a trace mineral that is very important in helping testosterone levels regulation in older men who suffer from E.D. In addition, it can often relieve many symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction. If you want to add more zinc to your diet, you can choose poultry, red meats, seafood such as crab or lobster, beans, and whole grains.

However, if you suffer from high cholesterol, it will be best to avoid eating large amounts of red meat to get more zinc into your system. Otherwise, you may be trading in your erectile dysfunction for more serious cardiovascular issues.

L-arginine

L-arginine is an extremely beneficial amino acid that dilates blood vessels. Therefore, it is one of the most important substances that help you facilitate and maintain an erection. It also helps increase your body’s ability to produce nitric oxide, which results in more blood flowing to your penis. It is found in many popular types of meat, such as pork chops, chicken, and turkey, but you can also get plenty of L-arginine from walnuts, peanuts, and almonds.

DHEA

Produced in your adrenal glands, DHEA is a hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone. If you’re wondering how DHEA plays a role in erectile dysfunction, remember it is a hormone that naturally boosts your testosterone levels. Some studies have shown that men of all ages with low levels of DHEA also suffer from symptoms associated with E.D. Many supplements for a healthy sex life contain DHEA, Magnesium, and other ingredients. The hormone works with vitamins, amino acids, ginseng, and fish oil, among others, to help you facilitate and maintain an erection.

Do Herbal Supplements Help with Erectile Dysfunction?

Suppose you prefer to rely on herbal remedies to improve various health conditions. In that case, remember that various herbal supplements have been touted as helpful in improving E.D. symptoms. Some of the most common include:

• Red ginseng
• Yohimbe
• Horny goat weed
• Ashwagandha plant, etc.

These herbal supplements have been used for thousands of years to treat low libido and ED-related symptoms. While some people believe horny goat weed can solve their E.D. problem due to its chemical compounds (that work very similarly to various popular E.D. medications on the market today), more research needs to be conducted before substantial conclusions can be drawn.

On the other hand, red ginseng may be a herbal supplement worth considering. In an analysis of over 20 studies that involved more than 2,000 men who suffered from E.D., research showed that red ginseng improved erectile function and may be an effective treatment for E.D.

Should you want to pursue any herbal treatment in connection with your erectile dysfunction, it is best to discuss it first with your doctor. There is always the chance these supplements interact negatively with any other medications you may be taking for other health conditions.

The Benefits of Vitamins Over Herbal Supplements

While it is certainly possible to find herbal supplements to help with your E.D. symptoms, you should also remember that relying on vitamins usually offers more benefits in the long run.

To begin with, most vitamins put on the market to alleviate E.D. symptoms have the full approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, meaning they have been tested in carefully-planned clinical trials before gaining approval for their safe use.

Along with the safety factor, there is also the matter of potency and dosage. When you take vitamins, you know how potent they are and how much you can take to alleviate your E.D. symptoms. With teas, plant concoctions, and herbal supplements, you need thorough research regarding their safety, proper use, dosage, etc.

When you decide to take vitamins for your E.D., don’t take them before you have your blood checked out. A full set of medical examinations will tell whether you have a vitamin deficiency related to your E.D. Moreover, blood work and a specialized physician will guide you through your vitamin intake: daily dosage, schedule, etc.

Does Age Always Lead to E.D.?

As you learned earlier, erectile dysfunction is not always caused by aging. Men of all ages can and do suffer from E.D., even those who appear to be strong and healthy in all other ways.

Many factors can cause and contribute to erectile dysfunction:

• Stress and anxiety
• Other psychological factors
• Atherosclerosis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal injuries, etc.

Statistics suggest that more than 30 million men of various ages, races, and backgrounds have varying levels of E.D. symptoms in the United States. So if you suspect you have E.D., watch out for these three symptoms:

1. You achieve an erection, but it is not firm and does not last long enough for you to complete the sex act.
2. You only achieve an erection occasionally, rather than each time you want to have sex with your partner.
3. You are unable to get an erection at any time.

When seeking treatment for E.D., always get a thorough check-up so your doctor can look for underlying conditions that may be causing your E.D. In doing so, you may discover that vitamin deficiency is the primary cause of erectile dysfunction. If this is the case, you may only need to make certain lifestyle changes to rid yourself of a frustrating condition.

It Takes Time

In conclusion, remember that even under the best of circumstances, it will take time for your E.D. symptoms to lessen should you suffer from a vitamin deficiency. However, work with your doctor to learn what specific vitamins may help improve your condition. In addition, you may soon find yourself once again experiencing a sexual performance that is satisfying for both you and your partner. The stress and anxiety you’ve experienced will disappear when that day arrives.