Introduction: Important Facts Pertaining To This Discussion
Vitamin D is a steroid hormone produced in human skin by sunlight stimulation, specifically the ultraviolet-B portion of the sunlight spectrum about 80% of vitamin D is thus obtained.1 The angle of sunlight varies greatly by season. In summer, the sun is overhead at noon, but in winter it stays closer to the horizon, and sunlight must pass through more atmosphere, which filters out much or all of the UVB. Therefore, availability of UVB exposure, and its resultant vitamin D production in skin, is highest in late spring through early fall and lowest from late fall through early spring. Consequently, vitamin D levels in the bloodstream also vary by season, with levels highest in late spring through early fall and lowest from late fall through early spring. For example, vitamin D levels in the UK are about 50% higher at the end of summer than at the end of winter.1
One recent study found risk of ED associated with body mass index , irritative lower urinary tract symptoms, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sexual inactivity.7
It has been estimated that about half of ED is related to vascular causes.9 VDD also contributes to ED apart from its negative influence on classic CVD risk factors.
Other Influences Of Vitamin D On Ed
Endothelial-progenitor cells
Endothelial progenitor cells are necessary for maintaining the health of the arterial endothelium. VDD is associated with depletion of EPCs and consequent END in patients with type 2 DM.106 This research also showed that VDD was associated with reduced vasodilation as measured by brachial artery flowmediated dilation.
NO synthases
NO synthases are a family of enzymes that catalyze the production of NO from l-arginine. Activated vitamin D stimulates the production of substantial quantities of NOS and NO in macrophages produced in response to tuberculosis,107 in bone108 and in endothelial cells,109 the last being vital to vascular dilation and thereby important to inhibiting ED. This behavior may explain why endothelium-derived, NO-evoked dilation is halved in arteries from vitamin Ddeficient male rats.110
PAD
PAD is a CVD that is closely associated with the presence of ED. Chua and colleagues have shown that VDD could be an easily correctable independent risk factor for PAD.111
Platelet activation
Vascular smooth-muscle cell proliferation
Vascular smooth-muscle cell proliferation is part of the process of atherosclerosis. Vitamin D has an antiproliferative influence on VSMC,114,115 which indicates antiatherosclerotic properties that may positively influence ED.
Vasodilation
Risks And Side Effects
Little research has tested the safety of DAA or assessed whether it is safe to use alongside other supplements or medications. People considering this supplement should talk to a doctor first, particularly if they take other drugs.
As with any drug, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to DAA. In rare cases, allergic reactions can be life threatening.
Researchers do not yet know the long-term effects of taking DAA, so the safety of prolonged use is unclear.
People who wish to take DAA should not let it delay them getting medical treatment for ED. In cases where an underlying medical condition is causing ED, treatment for this condition is likely essential for symptoms to improve.
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What Is The Fastest Way To Cure Erectile Dysfunction
The quickest way to treat erectile dysfunction will depend on many factors, including a persons age and underlying medical conditions.
Alongside a doctor-recommended treatment plan, individuals may notice an improvement in their symptoms by maintaining a balanced diet and getting regular exercise and sleep.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that affects men of all ages. It occurs when you cant develop or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfying penetrative sex. Erection issues tend to be defined as ED when:
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You can get an erection, but it isnt firm enough or doesnt last long enough to have satisfactory sex.
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You can get an erection on some occasions, but not every time you want to have sex.
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You cant get an erection at any time.
Although ED is more common in older men, it can affect young men too. An estimated 30 million men of all ages, races and backgrounds in the United States are affected by erectile dysfunction to some degree.
ED is caused by a variety of factors. Some of these are physical, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Others are psychological, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem or guilt about having sex.
Sometimes, ED can develop as a side effect of medication. Certain health and lifestyle factors, such as your weight, use of tobacco products or physical activity level, may also have an effect on your erectile health and sexual performance.
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Bottom Linetalk To Your Doctor First
If you are experiencing symptoms of ED, contact your healthcare provider. Medical professionals such as your primary care provider, a urologist, or an endocrinologist can diagnose and treat ED. Be sure to speak openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and lifestyle, so he or she can develop an individualized treatment plan for you.
Always ask your doctor before trying any new vitamins or supplements so you can avoid adverse effects and medication interactions.
Takeaways For The Link Between Vitamin C And Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a disease that can take a big hit on ones sexual performance. While Vitamin C is effective in improving a slew of bodily processes, theres no clear evidence to prove that it treats erectile dysfunction specifically.
However, that doesnt mean its a dead end. With alternative and viable treatment methods around, its certainly possible to rise above ED and live a healthier lifestyle.
If you want to treat ED, contact the medical professionals at Proactive Mens Medical Center in Cincinnati who specialize in treating conditions that impact mens health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We dont just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as Erectile Dysfunction, , Hormone Therapy , and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
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Possible Influence Of Sunlight Or Vitamin D On Four Major Risk Factors For Cvd And Ed
We hypothesize that optimizing vitamin D levels in men with ED could achieve similar positive influences on that disease. We first discuss four classic risk factors for CVD and ED and present research suggesting the influence of sunlight or vitamin D on each factor. We then briefly discuss other influences of vitamin D on ED that have not been thoroughly covered in conjunction with the four common risk factors discussed.
Can Vitamin Deficiency Cause Ed
Although there is no concrete evidence that vitamin deficiencies cause ED directly, there is some evidence that vitamin deficiencies may be indirectly associated with ED, most notably, vitamin D.
Vitamin D is connected to many bodily systems, including endothelial function. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to anemia and ED if the anemia is severe.
It has also been shown that deficiencies in NO production can cause ED as NO is necessary to help maintain healthy erectile function. However, vitamin D deficiency is easily treatable with modest sunlight exposure and a healthy balanced diet.
There is growing evidence to support the theory that folic acid and niacin deficiencies may contribute to the severity of ED in some patients. However, most of this evidence is for severe ED and not the restoration of erectile function. It has not necessarily demonstrated causation beyond association.
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Can Vitamins Treat Ed
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of your body. Vitamins play major roles in the development of your bones and organs. They also power vital biological processes that keep you alive, from your metabolism to the operation of your brain.
Because vitamins play such important roles in your health and survival, vitamin deficiencies can have serious negative effects on your wellbeing. For some vitamins, these effects could include erectile dysfunction.
Everything You Need To Know About Vitamin D For Men
Getting all the nutrition your body needs is vital if you want to stay strong, active, and happy. The best way to do this is to eat a variety of healthy, balanced foods, however you can also supplement your diet with vitamins.
For men and women, vitamin D is important, particularly outside of the summer months. Read on to find out why, and how much men should be taking each day.
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What Is The Best Vitamin For Erectile Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction , can affect your quality of life, confidence, and relationships. ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual performance.
Although it can be naturally caused by aging, many other causes of erectile dysfunction exist. It includes psychological factors , hormonal abnormalities , vascular diseases , and neurologic causes .
The association between vitamin supplements and erectile dysfunction has been investigated, with some results suggesting that particular vitamins may prevent or alleviate ED symptoms.
Have you considered clinical trials for Erectile dysfunction?
We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Erectile dysfunction, and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available – and be a part of finding a cure.
Are Low Vitamin D Levels Linked To Ed
Studies have concluded that vitamin D deficiency and erectile dysfunction are strongly correlated. In fact, a study found that men with a vitamin D deficiency have a 30% greater prevalence of ED and an 80% greater prevalence of severe ED compared to men with optimal levels of vitamin D.
But why is this? Whats the link between vitamin D and the ability to have an erection?
More importantly, what can you do to ensure that a vitamin D deficiency isnt killing your sex life?
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Nonvascular Conditions Comorbid With Ed And Influenced By Vitamin D
We have thus far discussed the relationship of ED to CVD and considered the influence of vitamin D levels or treatment on both disorders. Evidence in addition to that presented in this review in support of the hypothesis that VDD contributes to ED risk was sought by searching pubmed.gov for papers linking ED to sun exposure, race, and disorders linked to VDD, and whether animal models regarding vitamin D and ED had been conducted. No evidence linking ED to sun exposure was found. No animal model studies of ED and vitamin D were found. In a cross-sectional study in the United States in 2000 and 2001, the estimated prevalence of ED was 21.9% in whites, 24.4% in blacks, and 19.9% in Hispanics.116 Another paper reported that Black and Hispanic men in the Boston area had 25% higher rate of ED, but attributed the finding to socioeconomic status rather than race117
Table 1. Evidence for influences of vitamin D on nonvascular diseases and conditions associated with ED
Why Do We Need Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps keep the bones, muscles, and teeth healthy. Not getting enough as an adult can cause bone pain and other issues.
Vitamin D is unique, as we get most of it from sunlight rather than from our diet. When sunlight hits the skin, the body can generate vitamin D, which means between spring and autumn we should be able to get all we need just from spending time in the sun.
Outside of these months, vitamin D will mostly need to come from our diet, or from taking supplements.
- You wear clothes that cover most of your skin
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Relationship Between Erectile Dysfunction And Vitamin C
For an erection to form, blood needs to get redirected from various parts of the body to the blood vessels, eventually leading to the erectile tissues.
Vitamin C can indirectly assist this process. According to a review published in Fertility and Sterility, Vitamin C is one of the essential vitamins that commands the biochemical release of an agent known as nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide, or NO, is a chemical in our bodies thats responsible for relaxing the tissues , enabling .
Besides these findings, medical experts still believe that there isnt enough evidence to prove that taking more Vitamin C supplements is directly responsible for your ability to remain erect.
While nitric oxide gets released when more Vitamin C is introduced into our system, this process isnt exclusive to just Vitamin C. Dairy products, poultry, and fish can all contribute to the release of this chemical, thus improving penile function.
Regardless, adding more vitamin C to your diet is never a bad thing. Here are some Vitamin-C rich foods you can incorporate into your meal to treat a vitamin C deficiency:
Vitamin D And Male Sexual Function: A Transversal And Longitudinal Study
Giancarlo BalerciaAcademic Editor: Received
Abstract
Background. The effects of vitamin D on sexual function are very unclear. Therefore, we aimed at evaluating the possible association between vitamin D and sexual function and at assessing the influence of vitamin D administration on sexual function. Methods. We retrospectively studied 114 men by evaluating clinical, biochemical, and sexual parameters. A subsample was also studied longitudinally before and after vitamin D replacement therapy. Results. In the whole sample, after performing logistic regression models, higher levels of 25 vitamin D were significantly associated with high values of total testosterone and of all the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire parameters. On the other hand, higher levels of total testosterone were positively and significantly associated with high levels of erectile function and IIEF total score. After vitamin D replacement therapy, total and free testosterone increased and erectile function improved, whereas other sexual parameters did not change significantly. At logistic regression analysis, higher levels of vitamin D increase were significantly associated with high values of -erectile function after adjustment for -testosterone. . Vitamin D is important for the wellness of male sexual function, and vitamin D administration improves sexual function.
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Subjects
2.2. Clinical Parameters
2.3. Biochemical Parameters
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How To Find Quality Vitamins And Supplements
Although companies that make vitamins or supplements are required to follow good manufacturing processes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve dietary supplements or their claims. Whats more, the FDA warns that their labs have found almost 300 supplements that promote sexual health actually contain undisclosed drug ingredients, which could even include a combination of undisclosed ingredients, or very high doses. Either way, they could be dangerous.
When trying to find the best vitamins and supplements, turn to a reputable source. The FDA recommends that consumers should be wary of products that:
- Advertise fast results
- Are sold as a single serving
- Are advertised as an alternative to an approved prescription drug
- Have unsolicited advertising or spam
- Have labels and instructions written in another language
Look for vitamins that are certified by ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, or U.S. Pharmacopeia .
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Other Vitamins And Ed
While vitamin supplements like Vitamin D do help improve a variety of bodily functions including sexual function, it doesnt exactly treat the symptoms, at least not to the same effect of prescription medications or clinically-approved therapies.
For instance, low Vitamin D levels has been linked with men with ED. However, attempting to cure a Vitamin D deficiency doesnt necessarily cure ED.
Vitamin B3 may improve ED symptoms in patients with moderate to severe cases of sexual dysfunction, but if you already have normal Vitamin B3 levels, then further treatment may not be as effective.
The best course of action for men looking to improve their sexual health is to contact a mens medical clinicfor professional medical advice.
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Treatment Options For Erectile Dysfunction
Although some causes of ED are not preventable, such as aging and neurological conditions, lifestyle changes could help prevent ED as there is scientific evidence for their contribution.
Meanwhile, obesity is associated with an increase in cholesterol,¹ which can lead to plaques and thus restrict vessels and reduce blood flow. Obesity is also a risk factor for metabolic diseases such as diabetes, which in and by themselves can cause or put you at risk for erectile dysfunction. In this case, a lifestyle change may help alleviate ED symptoms.
Medications approved for ED treatment may be required if lifestyle factors are not believed to be causing ED. Healthcare professionals can prescribe these depending on your condition.
The most noteworthy ones are sildenafil , vardenafil , tadalafil , and avanafil . More research on ED is underway, and topical treatments such as creams and ointments ¹ are now being explored as over-the-counter treatment plans.
Treatments For Erectile Dysfunction
If you have a vitamin deficiency — for example, youre deficient in vitamin D — increasing your consumption of the specific vitamin in which youre deficient may help to improve your erectile health and prevent ED.
However, more reliable treatments for ED are available. If you find it difficult to get or maintain an erection, consider one of the following medications:
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Sildenafil. The active ingredient in ®, sildenafil provides relief from ED for three to five hours.
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Tadalafil. The active ingredient in Cialis®, tadalafil is a long-lasting medication that can provide relief from ED for up to 36 hours.
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Vardenafil. The active ingredient in Levitra®, vardenafil provides relief from ED for four to five hours.
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Avanafil. Sold as Stendra®, avanafil is a newer treatment that provides relief from ED for up to six hours, with a lower risk of certain side effects than other ED medications.
Unlike vitamins and other supplements, all of these medications are approved by the FDA for treating erectile dysfunction. Our guide to the most common ED treatments explains how they work in more detail, as well as how you can use them if youre prone to ED.
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