Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects 30 million men in the U.S. every year. If you’ve had difficulty achieving or maintaining a penile erection, you’ve probably seen the ads for herbal remedies and supplements promising to boost sexual performance and wondered, “Could they work for me?” The most effective and proven treatments are prescription medications (like Viagra), and lifestyle changes such as weight loss and reduced alcohol consumption. However, if supplements are more your thing, there are some vitamins for erectile dysfunction that you can try.
Do vitamins really treat erectile dysfunction?
Bear in mind that while there is some evidence that vitamins could help erectile dysfunction, it’s generally agreed that they don’t treat or cure the condition with the same efficacy as prescription medications.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Studies looking at heart disease have shown that daily folic acid supplements can reduce the hardening of arteries and allow for better circulation.
Because cardiovascular disease can be a major risk factor in sexual dysfunction, some experts believe that improving heart function with vitamin B9 could also help improve erectile function. After all, good blood flow and circulation to the penis are essential for achieving and maintaining an erection.
A 2014 study noted that men with ED had lower levels of folic acid. A more recent 2020 study concluded that men who took folic acid daily had improvements in their ED. However, the study did mention that although folic acid helped improve symptoms, it should be used along with a prescription phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor such as Viagra.
Vitamin B9 dosage for ED
A daily dose of folic acid may also act as a mood stabilizer and may help both stress-related erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation during sexual intercourse. However, more research is necessary to really understand its efficacy. Consult a healthcare provider for the correct vitamin B9 dosage for ED.
