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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.
See Coronary Heart Disease chapter
and Hyperlipidemia chapter
for dietary factors to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease.
- 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.
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