Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsVitamin B9 (Folic Acid)Vitamin DVitamin B3 (Niacin)Vitamin CVitamin B12Other Remedies
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Vitamin D
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin C
Vitamin B12
Other Remedies
Several vitamins for erectile dysfunction (ED) may help treat symptoms or make them less severe. These include vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin D, vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin C, and vitamin B12.
While some research shows that these vitamins might help erectile dysfunction, they typically do not cure or treat the problem as effectively as prescription medications do. In addition, they may not work for a person who does not have a specific deficiency or low level of the vitamin.
This article discusses the evidence that vitamins may help when a person has erectile dysfunction and the dietary sources for these essential nutrients.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) and Erectile Dysfunction
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) deficiency may be an independent risk factor for ED. A folic acid deficiency can impair nitric oxide metabolism. Nitric oxide cues the smooth muscle in the penis to relax, so blood flow is increased to produce an erection.
Nitric oxide is produced in the endothelial cell layer covering the smooth muscle. A deficiency in folic acid also contributes toendothelial dysfunction, which leads to erectile dysfunction.
In theory, taking afolic acid supplementmay lower homocysteine levels (this amino acid inhibits nitric oxide production) and increase nitric oxide, making it more likely to get and maintain an erection. While studies have shown promising results, more research needs to be done to explore the role of folic acid supplementation in ED.
Foods rich in B9 (folic acid) include:
Vitamin D and Erectile Dysfunction
In the last decades, several studies have correlated ED risk factors withvitamin D deficiency.
Taking avitamin D supplementand eating foods rich in vitamin D can help boost your levels. Foods that are high in vitamin D include:
People with ED can consider having theirvitamin D levels assessed(this is done with a blood test). Vitamin D supplementation should be suggested for those with low levels. However, increasing vitamin D intake alone is rarely the solution to ED. In fact, there are some instances where it could cause or worsen your ED.
Vitamin D3 Benefits for Glowing Skin, Heart Health, and More
Magnesium(a mineral) is required to convert vitamin D to its active form (1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D). Vitamin D taken orally needs to go through this conversion, a process that can deplete magnesium stores.
If you supplement vitamin D without also taking magnesium, you may develop amagnesium deficiency, which can contribute to ED.
Magnesium helps blood vessels to relax. Insufficient amounts mean the penile vein cannot relax, leading to ED. Therefore, vitamin D may indirectly cause ED if not taken properly.
This underscores the importance of checking in with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter vitamins and supplements.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and Erectile Dysfunction
Atherosclerosis(buildup ofplaquesin the walls of arteries) reduces blood flow throughout the body, including the penis. Hardened and narrow blood vessels make it difficult for blood to flow into the penis before intercourse.
Statins are drugs that reduce cholesterol levels andcan improve ED.However, studies have shown that niacin may be a similarly effective treatment.Vitamin B3 (niacin)may help ED because it can improve both cholesterol and lipid levels, which are associated with atherosclerosis.
A small 2011 study of 160 people with ED found that a daily dose of vitamin B3 improved erectile function in those with high cholesterol. The study found that the 80 subjects who took niacin consistently reported a better ability to get and maintain an erection compared to 80 subjects with mild ED who took a placebo pill.
A more recent 2023 study found people taking the highest amount of niacin had a decreased risk of ED compared to people taking the lowest amount of niacin. However, the study authors noted it is still not known what the cause-and-effect link is, and defining the safe threshold of niacin intake to prevent ED requires further research.
Foods rich in B3 (niacin) include:
Vitamin C and Erectile Dysfunction
While there is no evidence thatvitamin C supplementscan improve ED, vitamin C supports the biochemical pathways that ultimately release nitric oxide, which is critical to achieving erections because it increases blood flow.Vitamin C has also been shown to increase testosterone levels and promote blood flow.
The following foods are rich in vitamin C:
Vitamin B12 and Erectile Dysfunction
The role of vitamin B12 and erectile function is not well understood. One study found people with vitamin B12 deficiency were more likely to experience premature ejaculation compared to people without vitamin B12 deficiency.
However other studies have found an association between high blood levels of vitamin B12 and erectile dysfunction. Increasing levels of homocysteine are associated with erectile dysfunction.Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the metabolism of homocysteine and therefore, could be a factor in causing erectile dysfunction as well.
More research is needed to understand the association between ED and vitamin B12. However, adequate intake of vitamin B12 is important for healthy blood, cell function, and nervous system function.
Foods that are rich in Vitamin B12 include:
Other Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction
In addition to specific vitamins, amino acids and other natural remedies may help erectile dysfunction, such as:
Summary
Some research shows that vitamins B3, B9, and D might help address erectile dysfunction if the person has a deficiency in these vitamins. They are active in the body to maintain the processes that allow erections, as are vitamin C and other natural remedies. However, they are not the standard treatment for ED.
25 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Davies KP.Development and therapeutic applications of nitric oxide releasing materials to treat erectile dysfunction.Future Sci OA. 2015;1(1):FSO53. doi:10.4155/fso.15.53Zhang Y, Zhang W, Dai Y, Jiang H, Zhang X.Serum folic acid and erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Sexual Medicine. 2021;9(3):100356. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100356Office of Dietary Supplements.Folate.Canguven O, Al Malki AH.Vitamin D and Male Erectile Function: An Updated Review. World J Mens Health. 2021 Jan;39(1):31-37. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.190151Barassi A, Pezzilli R, Colpi GM, Corsi Romanelli MM, Melzi d’Eril GV.Vitamin D and erectile dysfunction.J Sex Med. 2014;11(11):2792-2800. doi:10.1111/jsm.12661Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin D.Uwitonze AM, Razzaque MS.Role of magnesium in vitamin D activation and function.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2018;118(3):181. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2018.037American College of Cardiology.Are statins good for your love life?Ng CF, Lee CP, Ho AL, Lee VW.Effect of niacin on erectile function in men suffering erectile dysfunction and dyslipidemia.J Sex Med. 2011;8(10):2883-2893. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02414.xLin WL, Zheng C, Wang HX, et al.Relationship between dietary niacin intake and erectile dysfunction: a population-based study. Asian J Androl. 2024 Jan 30. doi: 10.4103/aja202378Office of Dietary Supplements.Niacin.Ghanbari-Homaie S, Ataei-Almanghadim K, Mirghafourvand M.Effect of vitamins on sexual function: a systematic review.Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2021:1-10. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000703Rastegar Panah M, Tahir I, Garcia-Bailo B, et al.Ascorbic acid is associated with favourable hormonal profiles among infertile males. Front Reprod Health. 2023 Jun 8;5:1143579. doi: 10.3389/frph.2023.1143579Richards JC, Crecelius AR, Larson DG, et al.Acute ascorbic acid ingestion increases skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption via local vasodilation during graded handgrip exercise in older adults. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2015 Jul 15;309(2):H360-8. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00209.2015Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin C.Gökçen K, Gökçen P.Effects of Vitamin B12 Deficiency on Ejaculation Time in Patients with Chronic Gastritis. J Urol Surg 2019;6:244-251. doi: 10.4274/jus.galenos.2019.2591Chen Y, Li J, Li T, et al.Association between homocysteine, vitamin B 12 , folic acid and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study in China. BMJ Open. 2019 May 22;9(5):e023003. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023003Lu Z, Mo Z. AB156.Homocysteine and vitamin B12: risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol. 2014 Sep;3(Suppl 1):AB156. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2014.s156Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B12.MedlinePlus.L-arginine.Leisegang K, Finelli R.Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review.Arab J Urology. Published online ahead of print: June 2021. doi:10.1080/2090598X.2021.1926753Yohimbine. In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated 2020.Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, et al.A systematic review and evidence-based analysis of ingredients in popular male testosterone and erectile dysfunction supplements.Int J Impot Res. 2021;33(3):311-317. doi:10.1038/s41443-020-0285-xOboh G, Adebayo AA, Ademosun AO.Phenolic-rich extracts of Eurycoma longifolia and Cylicodiscus gabunensis inhibit enzymes responsible for the development of erectile dysfunction and are antioxidants.J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2018;29(6):689-696. doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2017-0160Ezzat SM, Okba MM, Ezzat MI, et al.Rho-kinase II inhibitory potential ofEurycoma longifolianew isolate for the management of erectile dysfunction.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:4341592. Published 2019 May 15. doi:10.1155/2019/4341592
25 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Davies KP.Development and therapeutic applications of nitric oxide releasing materials to treat erectile dysfunction.Future Sci OA. 2015;1(1):FSO53. doi:10.4155/fso.15.53Zhang Y, Zhang W, Dai Y, Jiang H, Zhang X.Serum folic acid and erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Sexual Medicine. 2021;9(3):100356. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100356Office of Dietary Supplements.Folate.Canguven O, Al Malki AH.Vitamin D and Male Erectile Function: An Updated Review. World J Mens Health. 2021 Jan;39(1):31-37. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.190151Barassi A, Pezzilli R, Colpi GM, Corsi Romanelli MM, Melzi d’Eril GV.Vitamin D and erectile dysfunction.J Sex Med. 2014;11(11):2792-2800. doi:10.1111/jsm.12661Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin D.Uwitonze AM, Razzaque MS.Role of magnesium in vitamin D activation and function.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2018;118(3):181. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2018.037American College of Cardiology.Are statins good for your love life?Ng CF, Lee CP, Ho AL, Lee VW.Effect of niacin on erectile function in men suffering erectile dysfunction and dyslipidemia.J Sex Med. 2011;8(10):2883-2893. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02414.xLin WL, Zheng C, Wang HX, et al.Relationship between dietary niacin intake and erectile dysfunction: a population-based study. Asian J Androl. 2024 Jan 30. doi: 10.4103/aja202378Office of Dietary Supplements.Niacin.Ghanbari-Homaie S, Ataei-Almanghadim K, Mirghafourvand M.Effect of vitamins on sexual function: a systematic review.Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2021:1-10. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000703Rastegar Panah M, Tahir I, Garcia-Bailo B, et al.Ascorbic acid is associated with favourable hormonal profiles among infertile males. Front Reprod Health. 2023 Jun 8;5:1143579. doi: 10.3389/frph.2023.1143579Richards JC, Crecelius AR, Larson DG, et al.Acute ascorbic acid ingestion increases skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption via local vasodilation during graded handgrip exercise in older adults. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2015 Jul 15;309(2):H360-8. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00209.2015Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin C.Gökçen K, Gökçen P.Effects of Vitamin B12 Deficiency on Ejaculation Time in Patients with Chronic Gastritis. J Urol Surg 2019;6:244-251. doi: 10.4274/jus.galenos.2019.2591Chen Y, Li J, Li T, et al.Association between homocysteine, vitamin B 12 , folic acid and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study in China. BMJ Open. 2019 May 22;9(5):e023003. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023003Lu Z, Mo Z. AB156.Homocysteine and vitamin B12: risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol. 2014 Sep;3(Suppl 1):AB156. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2014.s156Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B12.MedlinePlus.L-arginine.Leisegang K, Finelli R.Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review.Arab J Urology. Published online ahead of print: June 2021. doi:10.1080/2090598X.2021.1926753Yohimbine. In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated 2020.Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, et al.A systematic review and evidence-based analysis of ingredients in popular male testosterone and erectile dysfunction supplements.Int J Impot Res. 2021;33(3):311-317. doi:10.1038/s41443-020-0285-xOboh G, Adebayo AA, Ademosun AO.Phenolic-rich extracts of Eurycoma longifolia and Cylicodiscus gabunensis inhibit enzymes responsible for the development of erectile dysfunction and are antioxidants.J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2018;29(6):689-696. doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2017-0160Ezzat SM, Okba MM, Ezzat MI, et al.Rho-kinase II inhibitory potential ofEurycoma longifolianew isolate for the management of erectile dysfunction.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:4341592. Published 2019 May 15. doi:10.1155/2019/4341592
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Davies KP.Development and therapeutic applications of nitric oxide releasing materials to treat erectile dysfunction.Future Sci OA. 2015;1(1):FSO53. doi:10.4155/fso.15.53Zhang Y, Zhang W, Dai Y, Jiang H, Zhang X.Serum folic acid and erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Sexual Medicine. 2021;9(3):100356. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100356Office of Dietary Supplements.Folate.Canguven O, Al Malki AH.Vitamin D and Male Erectile Function: An Updated Review. World J Mens Health. 2021 Jan;39(1):31-37. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.190151Barassi A, Pezzilli R, Colpi GM, Corsi Romanelli MM, Melzi d’Eril GV.Vitamin D and erectile dysfunction.J Sex Med. 2014;11(11):2792-2800. doi:10.1111/jsm.12661Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin D.Uwitonze AM, Razzaque MS.Role of magnesium in vitamin D activation and function.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2018;118(3):181. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2018.037American College of Cardiology.Are statins good for your love life?Ng CF, Lee CP, Ho AL, Lee VW.Effect of niacin on erectile function in men suffering erectile dysfunction and dyslipidemia.J Sex Med. 2011;8(10):2883-2893. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02414.xLin WL, Zheng C, Wang HX, et al.Relationship between dietary niacin intake and erectile dysfunction: a population-based study. Asian J Androl. 2024 Jan 30. doi: 10.4103/aja202378Office of Dietary Supplements.Niacin.Ghanbari-Homaie S, Ataei-Almanghadim K, Mirghafourvand M.Effect of vitamins on sexual function: a systematic review.Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2021:1-10. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000703Rastegar Panah M, Tahir I, Garcia-Bailo B, et al.Ascorbic acid is associated with favourable hormonal profiles among infertile males. Front Reprod Health. 2023 Jun 8;5:1143579. doi: 10.3389/frph.2023.1143579Richards JC, Crecelius AR, Larson DG, et al.Acute ascorbic acid ingestion increases skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption via local vasodilation during graded handgrip exercise in older adults. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2015 Jul 15;309(2):H360-8. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00209.2015Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin C.Gökçen K, Gökçen P.Effects of Vitamin B12 Deficiency on Ejaculation Time in Patients with Chronic Gastritis. J Urol Surg 2019;6:244-251. doi: 10.4274/jus.galenos.2019.2591Chen Y, Li J, Li T, et al.Association between homocysteine, vitamin B 12 , folic acid and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study in China. BMJ Open. 2019 May 22;9(5):e023003. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023003Lu Z, Mo Z. AB156.Homocysteine and vitamin B12: risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol. 2014 Sep;3(Suppl 1):AB156. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2014.s156Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B12.MedlinePlus.L-arginine.Leisegang K, Finelli R.Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review.Arab J Urology. Published online ahead of print: June 2021. doi:10.1080/2090598X.2021.1926753Yohimbine. In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated 2020.Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, et al.A systematic review and evidence-based analysis of ingredients in popular male testosterone and erectile dysfunction supplements.Int J Impot Res. 2021;33(3):311-317. doi:10.1038/s41443-020-0285-xOboh G, Adebayo AA, Ademosun AO.Phenolic-rich extracts of Eurycoma longifolia and Cylicodiscus gabunensis inhibit enzymes responsible for the development of erectile dysfunction and are antioxidants.J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2018;29(6):689-696. doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2017-0160Ezzat SM, Okba MM, Ezzat MI, et al.Rho-kinase II inhibitory potential ofEurycoma longifolianew isolate for the management of erectile dysfunction.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:4341592. Published 2019 May 15. doi:10.1155/2019/4341592
Davies KP.Development and therapeutic applications of nitric oxide releasing materials to treat erectile dysfunction.Future Sci OA. 2015;1(1):FSO53. doi:10.4155/fso.15.53
Zhang Y, Zhang W, Dai Y, Jiang H, Zhang X.Serum folic acid and erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Sexual Medicine. 2021;9(3):100356. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100356
Office of Dietary Supplements.Folate.
Canguven O, Al Malki AH.Vitamin D and Male Erectile Function: An Updated Review. World J Mens Health. 2021 Jan;39(1):31-37. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.190151
Barassi A, Pezzilli R, Colpi GM, Corsi Romanelli MM, Melzi d’Eril GV.Vitamin D and erectile dysfunction.J Sex Med. 2014;11(11):2792-2800. doi:10.1111/jsm.12661
Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin D.
Uwitonze AM, Razzaque MS.Role of magnesium in vitamin D activation and function.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2018;118(3):181. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2018.037
American College of Cardiology.Are statins good for your love life?
Ng CF, Lee CP, Ho AL, Lee VW.Effect of niacin on erectile function in men suffering erectile dysfunction and dyslipidemia.J Sex Med. 2011;8(10):2883-2893. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02414.x
Lin WL, Zheng C, Wang HX, et al.Relationship between dietary niacin intake and erectile dysfunction: a population-based study. Asian J Androl. 2024 Jan 30. doi: 10.4103/aja202378
Office of Dietary Supplements.Niacin.
Ghanbari-Homaie S, Ataei-Almanghadim K, Mirghafourvand M.Effect of vitamins on sexual function: a systematic review.Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2021:1-10. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000703
Rastegar Panah M, Tahir I, Garcia-Bailo B, et al.Ascorbic acid is associated with favourable hormonal profiles among infertile males. Front Reprod Health. 2023 Jun 8;5:1143579. doi: 10.3389/frph.2023.1143579
Richards JC, Crecelius AR, Larson DG, et al.Acute ascorbic acid ingestion increases skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption via local vasodilation during graded handgrip exercise in older adults. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2015 Jul 15;309(2):H360-8. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00209.2015
Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin C.
Gökçen K, Gökçen P.Effects of Vitamin B12 Deficiency on Ejaculation Time in Patients with Chronic Gastritis. J Urol Surg 2019;6:244-251. doi: 10.4274/jus.galenos.2019.2591
Chen Y, Li J, Li T, et al.Association between homocysteine, vitamin B 12 , folic acid and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study in China. BMJ Open. 2019 May 22;9(5):e023003. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023003
Lu Z, Mo Z. AB156.Homocysteine and vitamin B12: risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol. 2014 Sep;3(Suppl 1):AB156. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2014.s156
Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B12.
MedlinePlus.L-arginine.
Leisegang K, Finelli R.Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review.Arab J Urology. Published online ahead of print: June 2021. doi:10.1080/2090598X.2021.1926753
Yohimbine. In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated 2020.
Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, et al.A systematic review and evidence-based analysis of ingredients in popular male testosterone and erectile dysfunction supplements.Int J Impot Res. 2021;33(3):311-317. doi:10.1038/s41443-020-0285-x
Oboh G, Adebayo AA, Ademosun AO.Phenolic-rich extracts of Eurycoma longifolia and Cylicodiscus gabunensis inhibit enzymes responsible for the development of erectile dysfunction and are antioxidants.J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2018;29(6):689-696. doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2017-0160
Ezzat SM, Okba MM, Ezzat MI, et al.Rho-kinase II inhibitory potential ofEurycoma longifolianew isolate for the management of erectile dysfunction.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:4341592. Published 2019 May 15. doi:10.1155/2019/4341592
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