According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, erectile dysfunction affects 18 million men 20 years of age and over, or approximately 18 percent of men in this age group. It can be a source of stress and anxiety in relationships for both parties involved. Vitamin E has been studied extensively for its potential role in helping men with erectile dysfunction. If you are experiencing problems with erectile dysfunction, vitamin E supplements might help. Talk to your doctor before you begin taking supplements.
Vitamin E Might Improve Erectile Dysfunction
Vitamin E, also referred to as alpha-tocopherol, is an essential fat soluble vitamin and antioxidant. When added to treatment with prescription phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as Viagra, 300 mg of vitamin E taking daily improved patient response to the drug in patients who previously responded poorly to the drug. About 30 to 40 percent of men do not respond to phosphodiesterase inhibitors, so adding vitamin E may increase response rate of men taking this class of drugs.
Pathophysiology of Vitamin E and Erectile Dysfunction
Low levels of nitric oxide in the penis can cause erectile dysfunction and vitamin E may increase nitric oxide in the penis. As an antioxidant, vitamin E is able to remove reactive oxygen species that can deactive nitric oxide and relieves erectile dysfunction via this mechanism. Studies in animal models have shown improvement in erectile dysfunction because of the anitoxidant properties of vitamin E.
Vitamin E May Increase Cancer Risk
The Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin E for males 14 years of age and older is 15 mg and taking supplements that are 20 times the RDA might not be safe for everyone. In smokers, vitamin E supplementation is associated with increased risk of lung cancer. Further, vitamin E supplements taken at doses of 300 mg or higher may increase risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Good Health Decreases Erection Problems
Lack of physical activity, hypertension, diabetes and being overweight are major risk factors for erectile dysfunction. While vitamin E might help when added to prescription drugs, talk with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplement. Losing weight and following a balanced diet will improve your overall health status and decrease problems you may be having with erections.
References
- "The American Journal of Medicine"; Prevalence and Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction in the US"; Elizabeth Selvin, et al; February 2007
- "Aging Male"; Salvage Therapy Trial for Erectile Dysfunction Using Phosphodieterase Type 5 Inhibitors and Vitamin E: Preliminary Report
- "International Journal of Impotence Research"; Therapeutic Strategies for Optimizing PDE-5 Inhibitor Therapy in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction Considered Difficult or Challenging to Treat; Saenz de Tejada; 2004
- "Biofactors"; No Evidence Supports Vitamin E Indiscriminate Supplementation; Y. Dotan, et al; November 2009
- "Atherosclerosis" Effect of Long-term Beta-carotene and Vitamin A on Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels Among Participants in the Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial; C.A. Redlich, et al; August 1999
- "Journal of Andrology"; Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Therapy: Their Impact in Diabetes-associated Erectile Dysfunction; L.D. Young; September 2004
