The development of male sexuality depends on zinc. Low levels of zinc can have an impact on testicular growth and reduce the sperm count. It is advisable to see a physician before using zinc supplements, as some individuals use them to cure erectile dysfunction.
How Much Zinc For Erectile Dysfunction is Needed?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for zinc varies by age and gender. For adult males, the RDA for zinc is typically around 11 mg per day. However, some studies suggest that higher doses of zinc may be beneficial for men with erectile dysfunction ED, particularly those who are deficient in this mineral.
Prostatic fluid contains components that make semen an ideal substance for sperm cells to live in, including enzymes, zinc, and citric acid. Research has shown that zinc supplementation may improve erectile function in men with zinc deficiency. Some studies in United States have used doses ranging from 30 mg to 50 milligrams of zinc per day for this purpose. However, it’s important to note that taking too much zinc can lead to adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset.
If you’re considering zinc supplementation for ED or any other health issue, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider first. They can help determine whether you’re deficient in zinc and recommend the appropriate dosage based on your individual needs and health status. Additionally, they can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments treating erectile dysfunction and its side effects.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
The inability to achieve or sustain an erection long enough for sexual activity is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). There are several potential reasons, including disorders of blood flow of the blood vessels, neurological disorders, mental health issues, and traumas. Erectile dysfunction can be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional.
Zinc Deficiency
Zinc is a trace mineral. A trace metallic element found naturally in the earth is zinc. Some meats, fish, and vegetables are higher in zinc than others. This means that getting zinc from a diversified diet is not too difficult. In the US, most individuals obtain enough dietary zinc, therefore severe zinc deficiencies are uncommon. However, issues arise when zinc levels drop below the suggested cutoff.
Symptoms Of Zinc Deficiency
- Slow growth in children
Zinc deficiency limits childhood growth and lowers resistance to infections, which increases morbidity and mortality in young children (6–8). Zinc is known to play a critical role in biological processes including cell growth, differentiation, and metabolism (4,5).
- Trouble fighting off illnesses
It is obvious that having too little zinc is unhealthy. A severe deficiency, which is frequently the consequence of a genetic abnormality or a highly limited diet, can lead to a variety of issues, including hair loss, roughened skin, delayed wound healing, weaker immune systems, and stunted growth in children and newborns.
- Weight loss
A zinc deficiency may be the cause of unexpected weight loss since it can alter appetite. Additionally, this may result in despair, irritability, or mood swings.
- Lack of appetite
A decrease in appetite that underlies all other symptoms of zinc insufficiency is the first obvious indicator of the condition. The decrease in intake brought on by zinc deficiency is mostly responsible for the growth reduction linked to it.
Zinc Supplements
The recommended daily allowance of zinc for an adult male is 11 milligrams. The daily allowance for zinc for women should not exceed 8 mg.
Generally, a diet rich in protein will provide adequate zinc. Zinc is abundant in meats including chicken, lamb, hog, and cattle. Zinc is also found in whole grains, legumes, nuts, and yeast.
Zinc supplements can be found as zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, or zinc acetate, or as multivitamins. Zinc orotate, which is essentially zinc that has been reduced to acid, is thought to be the most soluble form that the human body can absorb.
Zinc Deficiency and Sexual Dysfunctions
As said, a lack of zinc can negatively affect a number of vital body processes. Additionally, it may significantly affect sexual functioning including ejaculatory control. For example, zinc is necessary for the synthesis of testosterone, the main key sex hormones involved in male sex.
Zinc deficiency may clearly cause a number of sexual problems, even if zinc itself may not be a cure for sexual dysfunction.
In one clinical research, subjects were fed a low-zinc diet for a duration of twenty weeks. Three of the four males had considerably lower testosterone levels at the conclusion of the experiment than at the beginning. The testosterone levels of senior males using zinc supplements were also measured in this same investigation. Over the course of, their testosterone levels almost doubled.
In rats exposed to lead, zinc increases circulating testosterone levels and prevents penile oxidative damage, which enhances erectile function and sexual performance.
How To Get Enough Zinc
Fortunately, there are several of foods that contain high levels of zinc. Zinc supplements can supply adequate zinc on a daily basis to prevent a deficit even in cases of dietary limitations or allergies.
- Soybeans
- Squash seed
- Toasted wheat germ
- Turkey
- Veal liver
- Whole grains
- Wild rice
- Yeast
- Lima beans
- Oysters
- Peas
- Pork
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Almonds
- Baked beans
- Cashews
- Chicken
- Crab
- Dark chocolate
- Green beans
- Lamb
- Lean beef
Fortunately, there are several foods that contain zinc. Zinc supplements can supply adequate zinc on a daily basis to prevent a deficit even in cases of dietary limitations or allergies.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article on The Impact of Kidney Stones on Erectile Dysfunction.
*This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Kimberly Langdon has been an MD for 31 years, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, earning Honors in many rotations. She then completed her OB/GYN residency program at The Ohio State University Medical Center, earning first-place accolades for her Senior Research Project and Score of 98th percentile on a National Proficiency Test.
During her clinical career, she delivered over 2000 babies and specialized in minimally invasive procedures, menopause, endometriosis, menstrual disorders, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. After retiring from clinical practice, she founded a medical device company to commercialize her two patented and four patent-pending medical devices for both life-threatening and non-life-threatening infections.
