Sexual benefits of zinc: Can it help treat erectile dysfunction?

Date: Mar-08-2017 Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a vital role in many aspects of human health. These processes include growth, immunity, and reproduction.

It helps the body produce and regulate many hormones including testosterone. Some studies have shown a link between not having enough zinc and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Contents of this article:

Zinc and ED

Zinc deficiency

Zinc supplementation

Zinc and ED

Zinc is vital to the development and function of the male sex organs. Males with zinc deficiency have been shown to have less developed testes and reduced sperm count.

Zinc supplements may be used as a potential treatment for ED.

Zinc helps produce key sex hormones, such as testosterone and prolactin. Zinc also enables the creation of the main component of prostatic fluid.

There is evidence that dietary zinc may impact male sexual competency. In one study, rats receiving a moderate daily oral dose of zinc sulphate showed an increase in time before ejaculation and penile thrusting.

A 2016 study also found that a supplement containing folic acid, zinc, and the herb golden root improved the ejaculatory control of those affected by premature ejaculation.

Zinc supplements have also been cited as a potential treatment for ED in those with long-term kidney disease.

ED is when the penis has difficulty becoming or staying erect during sex. According to the American Urological Association, ED affects an estimated 30 million men in the United States.

Most cases of ED are caused by a combination of physical and emotional factors.

Physical factors, such as high blood sugar and cholesterol, reduce blood flow, which limits penile firmness. Physical factors such as stress can decrease sexual desire or confidence. Serious illnesses, especially those affecting hormone regulation and blood systems, can also lead to ED.

Many with ED also experience additional symptoms such as delayed or premature ejaculation.

Common causes of ED include:

cardiovascular disease

lack of exercise

high blood pressure

high blood sugar

high cholesterol

smoking

drug or alcohol use

obesity or metabolic syndrome

nerve damage

spinal cord injury

sexual performance anxiety

stress

relationship, family, or workplace conflict

depression

medications

In more recent years, zinc deficiency has also been linked to ED.

Zinc deficiency

An estimated 17 percent of the global population is thought to suffer from zinc deficiency. Symptoms of zinc deficiency include loss of energy, poor appetite, slow healing wounds, long-term respiratory infections, acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

High levels of zinc may be found in shellfish and cooked oysters.

The symptoms of zinc deficiency vary greatly with severity.

Cases of severe zinc deficiency are considered rare. They are often caused by genetic disorders or illnesses, but can take a serious toll on health.

Moderate cases of zinc deficiency are relatively common and typically associated with an imbalanced or poor diet. Some 2 billion people in the developing world are thought to have mild to moderate zinc deficiencies.

The symptoms of moderate zinc deficiency are often similar to those of severe cases. Moderate cases of zinc deficiency are not normally life-threatening for healthy adults but can greatly impair the development of young children.

Many of the symptoms of zinc deficiency and the condition itself are linked to additional health disorders. Symptoms of zinc deficiency include:

slowing or stopping of growth

weak immune system

delayed or incomplete sexual maturity

sensory impairment

loss of appetite

long-term diarrhea

pneumonia

skin rashes

hair loss or thinning

mental tiredness

Those at the greatest risk of zinc deficiency are pregnant women, young children, and those over 65.

Most cases of zinc deficiency are caused by improper nutrition and most are the direct result of diet. Strict vegetarians are at greater risk of developing a zinc deficiency because zinc is found predominantly in meat and shellfish.

Legumes and some cereal grains also contain phytic acid, which blocks zinc absorption. Malnourishment or starvation can also lead to zinc deficiency.

Certain conditions that can interfere with the absorption of zinc include:

Crohn's disease

celiac disease

inflammatory bowel disease and ulcers

liver and kidney disease

Medications that reduce intestinal absorption can also lead to a zinc deficiency.

Diagnosing zinc deficiencies is challenging because zinc is involved in too many biological processes to have a unique biological fingerprint. Zinc levels are often determined by plasma or serum tests.

Zinc is a really important dietary mineral and it is vital for good health. A trace mineral, zinc plays a vital role in many aspects of human health, including growth, immunity, reproduction and sense perception.

The best way to get zinc into the body is through natural sources that are found in food. It is easy to include zinc in a diet because it is found in a large number of foods. It is found in most things that contain iron, with the exception of milk products.

Other foods that contain high levels of zinc include:

shellfish, particularly cooked oysters

toasted wheat germ

cooked lean beef and veal liver

toasted pumpkin, sesame, and squash seeds

dark chocolate

fortified cereals, although not those with high sugar levels

soya beans, lima beans, and green beans

nuts, particularly cashews

Zinc supplementation

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend meeting daily zinc needs through diet. Most Americans meet their zinc needs by consuming meats, such as beef and pork, and legumes.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zinc depends on age and gender. Measurements are in milligrams (mg).

Age

Female (mg/day)

Male (mg/day)

0 - 6 months

2

2

7 months - 3 years

3

3

4 - 8 years

5

5

9 - 13 years

8

8

14 - 18 years

9

11

19 years

8

11

Pregnant women

11-12

11

Nursing women

12-13

11

Mineral supplements and medications are available for those unable to get enough zinc through diet. However, supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may not be labeled correctly, or may be contaminated with other minerals.

People taking zinc supplements should ensure they buy them from reputable dealers and always check appropriate levels with their doctor.

Zinc is commonly found in multivitamins but may also be sold separately.

Zinc is a commonly included ingredient in most multivitamins but is also sold separately in pill or capsule forms. Some of these supplements have known side effects. For example, zinc sulphate, which is the cheapest over-the-counter form of the mineral, is known to irritate the stomach.

Some prescription zinc supplements exist such as Mercola and Galzin. In some cases, zinc injections are recommended. But this will only occur once a doctor has assessed an individual's zinc levels, which can be tested through blood, urine or hair samples.

Before taking zinc supplements, people with ED should speak with their doctor. A testosterone test can help signal whether zinc supplementation may be beneficial.

There are some guidelines regarding levels of zinc supplementation that are specific to sexual dysfunction. Anybody with ED who is considering taking zinc supplements must talk to their doctor first to discuss options and doses. Taking too much zinc can also cause health problems.

Safety precautions for zinc supplements

The U.S. Food and Nutrition Board warn adults not to consume more than 40 mg of zinc daily to avoid side effects or toxicity.

Common symptoms of mild zinc toxicity include gut problems, such as cramping, diarrhea, and nausea. More severe zinc toxicity can also cause headaches, fever, loss of muscle coordination, and drowsiness.

Long-term zinc toxicity can cause anemia and dramatically weaken the immune system. Extreme copper deficiencies have also been associated with long-term zinc toxicity.

People should take zinc supplements 1-2 hours after meals and should not take them at the same time as other mineral supplements, such as iron and copper.

Foods that contain phytic acid, such as cereals and whole grains, may reduce the absorption of zinc supplements. Foods rich in fiber and phosphorous may also reduce zinc absorption.

Zinc supplements may interact with several medications including diuretics and blood pressure medications. In particular, ACE inhibitors may be affected. A person who is taking medication for their blood pressure must discuss zinc supplementation with their doctor.

Written by Jennifer Huizen

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.