The Relation Between Zinc and Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction(Ed) is a sexual issue that becomes common among males with growing age. It does not mean that every man will suffer from this sexual dysfunction. Specific causes may lead to Ed and affect the sexual life of a person. The causes can range from nutrient deficiencies to clinical depression. Discovering the exact cause of Ed's condition is essential to explore treatment options.

If you suffer from Ed, talk to a doctor to help you get suitable treatment and determine the exact cause. In recent years, clinical studies and research have found that zinc deficiency may lead to symptoms of Ed.

A decrease in zinc levels can cause a variety of health problems. It is a key mineral that our body cells use to metabolize nutrients.

Some essential tasks related to zinc levels in the body are immune function, protein and DNA production, and cell division. Zinc is also helpful in enabling the production of male sexual hormones called testosterone. Thus, potentially, your levels of Zinc may affect erectile dysfunction in males.

About Zinc Deficiency

Zinc is a trace metallic element occurring naturally in the earth, and our body only needs small amounts. Almost 100 enzymes must carry out vital chemical reactions for essential functions.

Certain vegetables, seafood, and meats are good sources of zinc content than others. These food items make obtaining Zinc through a varied diet fairly easy. Zinc plays a significant role in creating DNA, building proteins, the growth of cells, healing damaged tissue, and supporting your immune system. 

However, during a zinc deficiency, the levels of zinc fall below the recommended threshold, and problems begin. It may create problems in the essential functions that are performed in our body. 

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

These are some symptoms that may appear due to Zinc deficiency-

• Slow growth in children
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Trouble combating illnesses

Lack of Zinc in the body may result in hair loss, eye and skin lesions, and delayed wound healing. So it is essential to address the deficiency of Zinc-like nutrients. Low Zinc is also often paired with hypogonadism and male impotence. 

Risk Factors for Zinc Deficiency

People with the following conditions are more likely to face the risk of zinc deficiency. 

• Eating disorders
• Gastrointestinal diseases
• A purely vegetarian or low-protein diet
• High levels of alcohol consumption

Some medications are also known to reduce zinc levels in the body. These include drugs like ACE inhibitors, stomach acid reducers like Prilosec, and thiazide diuretics. 

Treating Erectile Dysfunction

Most men who face Ed or impotence don't necessarily have abnormal testosterone levels. Some other underlying causes may lead to side effects, like erectile dysfunction. For example, heart disease, nervous system problems, diabetes, injuries, and stress are more likely to cause Ed in men. But hypogonadism and insufficient testosterone levels are also among the causes of Ed in some men. These two complications may appear due to zinc deficiency and are likely to result as Ed. 

Taking Zinc as a supplement is one of the best ways for those seeking help with Ed due to its deficiency. Many men use supplements to replace the oral prescription medication for Ed, like Sildenafil (Viagra) and Cialis. Sometimes, they take them to enhance the effectiveness of these medications during the treatment. 

 Zine treatments may help improve the body's natural testosterone levels in a man with a zinc deficiency. Thus, consulting a healthcare provider may determine your cause and best treatment.

Zinc Supplements

Zinc supplements can help improve Zinc levels, and one can start taking them after consulting a healthcare provider. Know the amount you should take to treat your zinc deficiency. The recommended amount for an adult male is 11 mg of Zinc daily, considered an ideal amount to consume. Women should limit their zinc intake to 8 mg daily while treating a zinc deficiency.

Related Article - Vitamins and Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction

One can also obtain enough Zinc with a high-protein diet. For example, Meat such as beef, lamb, pork, and chicken are among the good sources of Zinc. You can also obtain Zinc from Nuts, legumes, whole grains, and yeast. 

Zinc supplements are available as multivitamins, zinc sulfate, zinc acetate, or Zinc gluconate. Also, Zinc orotate distills Zinc to acid and is the most accessible form for the human body. 

Zinc Warnings

According to the Centers for disease control and Prevention, taking levels of Zinc more than the recommended dietary amount may result in unwanted symptoms. It may side effects like vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. The maximum recommended amount of Zinc considered for consumption is 40 mg daily. Unwanted symptoms on your health may appear if you ingest too much Zinc, as it may cause nausea and headache.

If you suspect that you have ingested too much Zinc, don't hesitate to get in touch with a medical professional if any unwanted symptoms after it. 

Final lines

Zinc distributes all over our body, so it isn't easy to test its levels through a blood test. If you face erectile dysfunction and suspect that you might have a zinc deficiency, then talk to a healthcare professional. A medical professional or a doctor can check your testosterone levels. Also, they will determine whether using zinc supplements may help improve your Ed symptoms. 

 Some FaQs

How much Zinc is needed to treat Erectile dysfunction(Ed)?

For an adult male, 11 mg of Zinc per day is usually considered the ideal dosage; for women, the zinc intake suggests 8 mg per day. But, Increasing testosterone with zinc supplementation does not always show signs of improvement for Ed, and increased Libido when zinc levels are well established. 

Can you take Viagra with Zinc?

No, StressTabs with Zinc and Viagra do not cause any interaction. 

What food contains Zinc?

The best source of Zinc is oysters, but it is also present in good amounts in red meat and poultry. Some other good sources of Zinc are nuts, beans, lobster, crab, breakfast cereals, whole grains and dairy products.