Erectile Dysfunction
Nutritional Considerations Erectile dysfunction is often the result of vascular disease. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease are commonly found in affected men. These include obesity, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, smoking, inactivity, and diabetes. Moreover, impotence should be viewed as a sign of artery disease. It means that other cardiovascular problems may manifest in the future, and that diet and lifestyle changes to help prevent these problems are essential.
- Dietary changes to lower cholesterol: Although the evidence on nutritional treatment is limited, interventions that reduce cardiovascular risk factors or improve blood vessel functioning (diet, exercise, and certain botanical agents) may improve the disorder. In one study, a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet combined with exercise resulted in normal sexual function in 31 percent of impotent men, compared with only 5 percent of patients who did not follow these recommendations.
More importantly, dietary changes can improve the health of the cardiovascular system generally, reducing the risk of heart problems and other conditions for which ED is a warning sign. The most effective diet for controlling cholesterol and improving arterial health is a low-fat, vegan diet.
- Dietary supplements: Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a healthful diet and lifestyle. Nonetheless, two dietary supplements, L-arginine and ginseng, appear to be effective in treating ED in clinical trials.
L-arginine was shown to be effective in 30 to 40 percent of patients taking 3 to 5 grams per day, compared with a placebo. Combinations of arginine and yohimbine increase the response to more than 90 percent. However, not all trials of L-arginine have been adequately controlled, and further study is necessary.
Controlled clinical studies of Panax ginseng have found that patients treated with ginseng had significantly improved symptoms than those who received placebo. The studies also found that the number of patients treated with ginseng who experienced improved erections was double that of placebo-treated patients. Additional controlled clinical studies are needed to establish a role for ginseng in ED treatment.
Dietary supplements should be used only under medical supervision due to the possibility of medication interactions