Erectile dysfunction is estimated to affect half of all men over 40. Most men will suffer from it at some point in their lives.
It can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, nerve damage and drinking too much alcohol.
But some supplements in your bathroom cabinet can help prevent the problem from happening in the first place.
Dr. Donald Grant, GP in Bristol and senior clinical advisor at The independent pharmacymentioned vitamin pills that cost less than a fiver can help stimulate blood flow in the genitals and lower the risk of developing the condition.
Here, him lists four important daily supplements he recommends for men to prevent erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, nerve damage and drinking too much
L-arginine
L-Arginine, found in red meat, fish and dairy products, is an amino acid that helps the body build protein.
But Dr. Grant says taking it regularly can also help manage erectile dysfunction.
L-Arginine is converted in the body to a chemical called nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, allowing them to open wider for better blood flow.
‘This makes it easier for blood to reach the penis,’ said Dr Grant.
‘It may improve men’s ability to get and maintain an erection, and help protect against the condition,’ he added.
Ginseng
Ginseng, extracted from the Panax plant, is packed with antioxidants and can also help lower the risk of erectile dysfunction in men, according to Dr. Grant.
Aromatic ginseng root has been used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine for years for its supposed benefits for brain health, the immune system and stress reduction.
Ginseng, extracted from the Panax plant, is packed with antioxidants and can also help lower the risk of erectile dysfunction in men, according to Dr. Grant.
That’s because ginseng, like L-Arginine, helps improve blood circulation in the body.
One Korean from 2013 study reported that red ginseng in particular can dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow not only through each vein, but throughout the circulatory system.
‘The supplement has many benefits, including improving focus and boosting the immune system. However, it can also improve blood flow and reduce stress, two key factors in negating the risk of erectile dysfunction,” said Dr. Grant.
“By increasing blood flow to the penis, men can enjoy sexual encounters without interference,” he added.
Zinc
The essential mineral found in foods such as beef, cooked lobster and pumpkin seeds has been shown to help increase testosterone levels in men
Found in foods such as beef, cooked lobster and pumpkin seeds, zinc is a mineral crucial for the development of immune cells.
But it has also been shown to help increase testosterone levels in men.
‘The importance of zinc for male sexual function cannot be undermined,’ said Dr Grant. ‘The mineral is necessary for maintaining healthy testosterone levels and a zinc deficiency can lead to problems with libido and general sexual functioning.’
Although research is limited, a supplement may help increase testosterone levels, which can prevent erectile dysfunction.
Adequate levels of testosterone are crucial for maintaining sexual function.
The hormone plays multiple roles, including regulating the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates the blood vessels in the penis during sexual arousal, causing it to become erect.
A study in 2000 examined the effects of a magnesium and zinc supplement and found that men who took 30 mg of zinc per day had increased levels of free testosterone.
But still a 2009 study revealed that a zinc supplement won’t boost testosterone levels if you’re already getting enough of the mineral.
Men aged 19 to 64 need 9.5 mg of zinc per day and women only 7 mg. Experts say most people can get all the zinc they need from their diet alone.
The NHS recommends limiting zinc intake to 25mg per day, as too much can cause gastrointestinal problems and even weaken your immune system.
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone, also called DHEA, is a hormone produced in the body’s adrenal glands: triangular organs that sit on top of each kidney.
It can be converted in the body to estrogen or testosterone, but the hormone steadily declines with age.
Because it is critical for maintaining the supply of sex hormones, said Dr. Grant that taking a supplement could reduce the risk of genital problems in men.
A 2018 US study found that low levels of DHEA were associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
Although Dr. Grant said while his recommended supplements may be helpful, any benefit will be useless if men adopt unhealthy lifestyle habits.
“It is much more important to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, drink less alcohol and not smoke,” he said.