Vitamins are nutrients your body requires to perform its optimal function. It has an essential role in the development of bones and body organs. They keep us alive by regulating crucial biological processes. Every individual needs different types of vitamins in certain amounts each, to carry out their distinctive operation in the body.
Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and skin and hair problems. They are necessary for healthy body functioning and the deficiency of certain vitamins can also cause erectile dysfunction. Intake of several external vitamin supplements can help with the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Such supplements include vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin D, vitamin C, and L-arginine.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) Supplements
Vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, can increase blood circulation to the penile and improve erection function. It helps with the effective treatment of erectile dysfunction. It treats two contributing factors of erectile dysfunction which are high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The appropriate dosage of vitamin B3 supplements will be prescribed by the doctor. Niacin is naturally found in a wide range of foods, such as:
- Poultry
- Tuna
- Potato
- Peanuts (dry roasted)
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Mushrooms
- Green peas
- Brown rice
Side Effects Of Niacin
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Liver problems
- Gout.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) Supplements
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is a dietary supplement and a nutrient in the vitamin B complex that is required by the body in small amounts. Its deficiency can impact nitric oxide metabolism. Nitric oxide is an essential chemical that is crucial for the healthy functioning of the erection function. It is needed for the relaxation of the blood vessels and causing vasodilation to augment abundant blood to the penile for triggering stronger erections. Inadequate amounts of nitric oxide translate to erectile dysfunction issues.
Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide is necessary for relieving the strained endothelial cell layer that covers the smooth muscle of the blood vessels. Folic acid deficiency contributes to endothelial dysfunction, which also causes erectile dysfunction.
According to some studies, low levels of vitamin B9 are directly linked to erectile dysfunction, and it also increases the risk of other sexual disorders like premature ejaculation. Taking folic acid supplements can reduce the levels of Homocysteine, which is an amino acid known for suppressing nitric oxide production and release. These supplements further boost nitric oxide levels in the blood, thereby improving the erection function.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is available as a health supplement and is also found in a wide range of foods, such as:
- Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce, kale, etc.
- Eggs
- Citrus fruits and bananas
- Papaya
- Beans, peas, lentils, and legumes
- Milk and dairy products
- Cereals and rice
Vitamin B9 supplements are also commonly added to fortified foods, such as bread, cereals, pasta, and other grain products to prevent its deficiencies.
Vitamin D Supplements
Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to chronic conditions of erectile dysfunction. Sufficient levels of vitamin D help reduce oxidative stress, maintain blood pressure in the normal range, and increase nitric oxide production. All these factors are necessary for healthy erectile behavior.
Rich Foods
Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D and one can get enough of it by exposing themselves to the sun. The body metabolizes vitamin D from direct sunlight. The body’s need for vitamin D can be fulfilled by certain foods that are rich sources of vitamin D, these include:
- Apples, bananas, and other fruits
- Oily fish, including salmon, mackerel, tuna, shrimp, oysters, and sardines
- Mushrooms
- Egg yolk
- Yogurt
- Leafy green vegetables
- Fortified milk, and dairy products
- Fortified cereal
- Rice, lentils, sunflower seeds, and almonds
You may need to consume Vitamin D supplements for maintaining their optimal levels in the body. You must ask your doctor for recommending the appropriate dose according to your body’s needs.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) Supplements
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is necessary for supporting the biochemical pathways for releasing nitric oxide, which is a crucial component that aids in promoting erections by increasing the blood flow to the penile. Ascorbic acid also increases testosterone hormone levels and promotes proper blood circulation.
Foods that are rich sources of Vitamin C include:
- Potatoes and tomatoes
- Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, etc.
- Red and green peppers
- Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- Broccoli, kale, spinach, and other leafy greens
- Cabbage
- Watermelon
Ginseng
Ginseng is a potent herb that has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is an herb that is manufactured in the form of pills and creams that provides a boost to fertility and improve sexual function.
Ginseng contains ginsenosides and gintonin. Ginseng helps promote the discharge of nitric oxide, which is a substance that is necessary for relieving muscular strains and relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of the penile blood vessels. It prevents cloggages and overcomes blockages in the blood vessels to augment sufficient blood flow to the penile for triggering stronger erections. Thus, it can be beneficial in alleviating erectile dysfunction.
L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that helps the body in building protein. Amino acid is converted by the body into nitric oxide which is needed for the muscles in the penile blood vessels to loosen and relax. This relaxation causes the chambers inside the penile to fill with sufficient blood and as a result, the erection function improves.
Make sure you do not overconsume these vitamin supplements, which is why, it is recommended to consult a doctor, that can prescribe you the required dose needed by your body.
Wrapping Up
Certain vitamins might be beneficial for maintaining a healthy erection function and treating erectile dysfunction. However, these supplements do not guarantee to cure impotence issues permanently. These vitamin supplements might not be as effective as prescription medications.
Adverse Health Effects
Although taking supplements for deficiency of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin B3, or Vitamin B9 may help to improve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction to some extent. However, if your vitamin levels are normal, there is no need to use these medications, otherwise, it will increase the risk of adverse health effects.
Therefore, for relieving erection difficulties and treating sexual dysfunction with the help of vitamin supplements, it is better to talk to a licensed healthcare professional that shall examine your condition and suggest an appropriate dose.