"Boost Your Performance: The Top 7 Vitamins and Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction"

Vitamins for ED: Do They Work?

You’re probably aware of erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra®, which work by increasing blood flow to your penis when you’re in the mood for sex. But what about the options available without a prescription?

To put things in perspective, here’s the current wisdom:

• Numerous factors can play a role in erectile dysfunction, including your cardiovascular health, psychological well-being and your level of interest in sex.

• Currently, the most effective oral treatments for ED are PDE5 inhibitor medications, such as sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra).

• Vitamins B3, B9, C and D have been linked with blood flow, ED or testosterone levels in scientific studies. However, there’s very limited research on the link between vitamins and ED, meaning our understanding of this potential link isn’t very strong right now.

• To get reliable relief from ED, it’s best to talk to a licensed ED healthcare provider online to learn how you can improve blood flow to your penis and strengthen your erections. 

• Depending on your medical history, they may check your blood pressure, cholesterol and other tests that can screen for health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other things that are a risk factor for ED.

The best Vitamins for ED (Erectile Dysfunctions)

Vitamins are critical for the proper functioning of your body. They play vital roles in the development of your bones and organs. They also power essential biological processes that keep you alive, from your metabolism to the operation and function of your brain.

Because vitamins play such important roles in your health and survival, vitamin deficiencies can have serious negative effects on your well-being. What vitamins are good for erectile dysfunction, then, are the ones you don’t have enough of.

Some potential vitamins for erectile dysfunction include:

• Vitamin B3 (niacin)

• Vitamin B9 (folic acid)

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

• Vitamin D

Let’s look into each one to learn more.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Some scientific research suggests that vitamin B3, or niacin, may be helpful for managing erectile dysfunction. 

Vitamin B3 is an important vitamin for metabolic function. It’s linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cardiovascular disease thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.

Niacin is widely available as a health supplement. It’s also found in a variety of foods, including:

• Red meat, poultry and fish

• Bran, yeast and whole-grain cereals

• Peanuts, legumes and seeds

• Eggs

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Another vitamin that may be linked with erectile dysfunction is vitamin B9, or folic acid.

A study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology analyzed the folic acid levels of men with ED and found that men with ED typically had lower levels of folic acid than healthy, unaffected men.

Interestingly, low levels of vitamin B9 were also linked to premature ejaculation (PE) — another common male sexual performance issue.

You can purchase vitamin B9 as a health supplement, but it’s also found in a wide range of foods, like:

• Leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, asparagus and lettuce

• Meats, including liver

• Fish and other seafood

• Peanuts, sunflower seeds and beans

• Milk and other dairy products

• Eggs

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for our bodies. When it comes to erectile health, research suggests that it might play a role in certain biochemical pathways that allow you to get and stay hard during sex.

For example, a review published in the journal Fertility and Sterility noted that vitamin C is one of several vitamins and minerals that support the biochemical pathway that leads to the release of nitric oxide.

Good sources of vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits, such as orange, grapefruit, lemon and lime

• Other fresh fruits, including kiwifruit, guava and papaya

• Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries

• Red peppers, green peppers, broccoli and other vegetables

Many fruit and vegetable juices also contain plenty of vitamin C. You can also find it in most multivitamin supplements. 

Vitamin D

Although research into the effects of vitamin D on sexual performance is limited, some studies have found that vitamin D deficiency is linked to erectile dysfunction.

However, it’s also worth noting that this study only investigated sexual function and depression symptoms in young men with low vitamin D status.

Foods that contain vitamin D include:

• Fish, including salmon, trout, tuna, sardines and many fish oils

• Cheese, milk and other dairy products

• Red meat and poultry

• Soy, almond and oat milks

• Mushrooms

• Apples, bananas and other fruits

• Rice, lentils, sunflower seeds and almonds

• Broccoli, carrots and other vegetables

Medications vs. Vitamins for ED

None of the “vitamins for erection health” listed above — or anything else you can find in a multivitamin — are proven, evidence-based treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Currently, among the most effective options for treating ED are FDA-approved medications called PDE5 inhibitors.

If you find it difficult to get or maintain an erection, consider one of the following medications:

• Sildenafil. The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil provides relief from ED for around four hours per dose.

• Tadalafil. The active ingredient in Cialis®, tadalafil is a long-lasting medication that can provide relief from ED for up to 36 hours.

• Vardenafil. The active ingredient in Levitra®, vardenafil provides relief from ED for four to five hours.

• Avanafil. Sold as Stendra®, avanafil is a newer treatment that provides relief from ED for up to six hours, with a lower risk of side effects than other oral ED medications.

• Chewable ED medications. These fast-acting chewable mints include ingredients like sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil to help you get and stay hard during sex.