The 4 Best Vitamins & Supplements for ED

If you’ve been Googling the best vitamins for ED (erectile dysfunction) or supplements for erectile health and coming up short on answers, there’s a reason for it: The “natural male enhancement” pills you may find are from brands that make dubious claims about what their products can do.

Often, those claims aren’t backed by a lot of research. In fact, many so-called “vitamins for ED” could be dangerous.

That said, certain vitamins and supplements (not the flashy stuff at the gas station) — like vitamins B3 and D or L-arginine — might support erectile function or offer men’s health benefits.

So, whether you’re here in search of the best vitamins for erectile strength or supplements for ED, let’s talk about vitamins that could possibly help with ED.

You’re probably aware of erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra®, which work by increasing blood flow to your penis when you’re in the mood for sex. But what about the options available without a prescription?

Well, let’s start by saying that pretty much anything labeled “natural male enhancement” is probably a waste and potentially dangerous. 

As discussed in our guide to herbal supplements for ED, most non-prescription products for treating ED are, to put it lightly, lacking in scientific evidence. And they’re not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, some research shows that certain vitamin deficiencies might contribute to ED. If it turns out you’re low in these nutrients, boosting them in your diet might improve your overall health, including your ability to get and stay hard. 

Here’s a rundown of the current wisdom on what actually works for treating ED:

• Numerous factors can play a role in erectile dysfunction, including cardiovascular health, psychological well-being, and your level of interest in sex.

• Currently, the most effective oral treatments for ED are PDE5 inhibitor medications, such as sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra).

• Vitamins B3, B9, C, and D have been associated with blood flow, ED, or testosterone levels in studies. But there’s little research on the link between vitamins and ED in general, so our understanding isn’t very strong right now.

• To get reliable relief from ED, it’s best to talk to a licensed ED healthcare provider to learn how you can improve blood flow to your penis and have better erections.

• Depending on your medical history, your provider may check your blood pressure or cholesterol and order other tests to screen for health conditions and risk factors for ED, like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk vitamins.

Vitamins are critical for the proper functioning of your body. They play vital roles in how your bones and organs function. These micronutrients also power essential biological processes that keep you alive, from metabolism to brain operation.

Because vitamins play such important roles in human health and survival, vitamin deficiencies can have serious negative effects. What vitamins are good for erectile dysfunction, then, might be the ones you’re lacking. 

Some potential vitamins for erectile dysfunction include:

• Vitamin B3 (niacin)

• Vitamin B9 (folic acid)

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

• Vitamin D

Let’s look into each one to learn more.

1. Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Some scientific research suggests that vitamin B3, or niacin, may be helpful for managing erectile dysfunction. 

For example, a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2011 found that adult men with ED and dyslipidemia (abnormal amounts of fats in the blood) experienced improvements in erectile function after taking niacin for 12 weeks.

Niacin is widely available as a health supplement, but you don’t have to take it in capsule form to get it. It’s also found in foods like:

• Red meat, poultry, and fish

• Bran and whole-grain cereals

• Fortified nutritional yeast

• Peanuts, legumes, and seeds

• Eggs

Vitamin B3 is an essential vitamin for metabolic function. It’s linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cardiovascular disease, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

2. Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid or Folate)

Another vitamin that may affect erectile dysfunction is vitamin B9. The naturally occurring form is folate, and the synthetic form is called folic acid.

A study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology analyzed the folate levels of 133 men. It found that those with ED typically had lower levels of folic acid than healthy, unaffected men.

Interestingly, low levels of vitamin B9 were also linked to premature ejaculation (PE) — another common male sexual performance issue.

A study from 2020 noted a more direct link between vitamin B9 and sexual health. In this study, men with ED showed measurable improvements in erectile function after taking a daily vitamin B9 supplement for three months.

You can purchase vitamin B9 as a health supplement, but it’s also found in a wide range of foods, like:

• Leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, asparagus, and lettuce

• Meats, including liver

• Fish and other seafood

• Peanuts, sunflower seeds, and beans

• Milk and other dairy products

• Eggs

Folic acid is also commonly added to many breads, cereals, pastas, and other grain products to help prevent nutritional deficiencies in the general population.

3. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins and antioxidants for our bodies. Research suggests that it might be involved in biochemical pathways that allow you to get and stay hard during sex.

For instance, a review published in the journal Fertility and Sterility noted that vitamin C is one of several micronutrients that support the pathway that promotes nitric oxide production.

Nitric oxide (or NO) is largely responsible for relaxing the tissues inside the penis and allowing blood to flow in and create an erection.

Good sources of vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits, such as orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime

• Other fresh fruits, including kiwifruit, guava, and papaya

• Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries

• Red peppers, green peppers, broccoli, and other vegetables

Many fruit and vegetable juices also contain plenty of vitamin C, though you’ll get the most nutritional bang for your buck from whole food sources. Most multivitamin supplements also provide some vitamin C.

4. Vitamin D

Though research into the effects of vitamin D on sexual performance is limited, some studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to erectile dysfunction.

A small study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research found that men with insufficient vitamin D had lower levels of erectile function than men with normal vitamin D levels. A meta-analysis from 2020 also found that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with severe ED.

According to a review published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, around 24 percent of people in the United States have low vitamin D levels.

Your skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, and it doesn’t take much to maintain healthy levels. But many factors influence how much vitamin D your body makes this way, like your age, sex, and skin pigmentation. Regardless of your vitamin D status, you should still practice sun safety with sunscreen or protective clothing to prevent burning.

Some people might need a vitamin D supplement to meet their needs. However, your blood levels should be checked by a urology specialist or another healthcare provider before blindly adding dietary supplements for ED.

Foods that contain vitamin D are generally limited:

• Fatty fish, like salmon, trout, and canned tuna

• Vitamin D-fortified dairy products

• Eggs, especially the yolks

• Vitamin D-fortified plant milk

• UV-treated mushrooms

Note that balancing vitamin D intake with adequate magnesium (from foods like dark leafy greens, seeds, and legumes) is essential to avoid deficiencies that could indirectly affect erectile function. Why? Taking large doses of vitamin D can lead to magnesium deficiency.

Research on other supplements and herbal remedies for ED is often inconsistent or not very strong. Some men might see an effect, and many might not.

Here are some ED supplements that might produce improvements in erectile function and sexual health:

• L-arginine. The amino acid L-arginine plays a key role in nitric oxide production of nitric oxide to promote healthy blood flow. It may be moderately effective for ED, especially when paired with ED medications like tadalafil (Cialis®). 

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The DHEA hormone is a precursor to testosterone, which is important for regulating sex drive (libido).

• Ginseng. Red ginseng or Panax ginseng is sometimes called “herbal Viagra” (but this is misleading). The herbal supplement might produce improvements in erectile function and sexual satisfaction, but the overall quality of research is low.

• L-carnitine. This amino acid is involved in cardiovascular health, fat metabolism, sperm production, and possibly improving penile blood flow. According to one study, men who don’t respond to Viagra may be low in carnitine.

• Tribulus terrestris. Research is mixed, but this small plant has been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines. It may help support mild to moderate ED by increasing testosterone levels.

• Eurycoma longifolia. This antioxidant-rich herb is derived from a Southeast Asian shrub. It’s thought to work similarly to ED medications like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra.

Just like with vitamins, keep in mind that supplements aren’t subject to clinical trials like prescription medications. This means there’s a lot we don’t know about them, including the safety and effectiveness of using them as ED treatments.

Learn more about erectile dysfunction supplements in our guide to herbal supplements for ED.

None of the “vitamins for erection health” listed above — or anything else you can find in a multivitamin — are proven, evidence-based treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Currently, the most effective options for treating ED are FDA-approved medications called PDE5 inhibitors. These treatments work by dilating the arteries that supply blood flow to erectile tissues.

Unlike vitamins and natural remedies, prescription ED meds are subject to large-scale clinical trials before they go onto pharmacy shelves, meaning we know they’re safe and effective for most men.

If you find it difficult to get or maintain an erection long enough for satisfying sex, one of these medications might help:

• Sildenafil. The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, provides relief from ED for around four hours per dose.

• Tadalafil. The active ingredient in Cialis, tadalafil, is a long-lasting medication that can provide relief from ED for up to 36 hours.

• Vardenafil. The active ingredient in Levitra®, vardenafil, offers relief from ED for four to five hours.

• Avanafil. Sold as Stendra®, avanafil is a newer treatment that provides relief from ED for up to six hours, with a lower risk of side effects than other oral ED medications.

• Chewable ED medications. These fast-acting chewable mints include ingredients like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil to help you get and stay hard during sex.

While vitamins and other nutrients can support healthy sexual function and performance, there are also other everyday things that contribute.

As you consider your nutrient intake, think about how these other factors might be affecting your bedroom performance:

• Alcohol. Reducing alcohol consumption can help improve ED, as excessive drinking interferes with the nervous system and reduces blood flow to the penis. Drinking less can also support healthy testosterone levels.

• Smoking. Quitting smoking is vital, as tobacco damages blood vessels and impairs circulation, directly affecting the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

• Weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of ED by improving blood circulation and lowering inflammation in the body. Carrying extra weight is linked to hormonal imbalances and conditions like diabetes — significant contributors to ED.

• Stress. We all have stress, but managing ongoing stressors is crucial. The stress hormone cortisol interferes with sexual desire and performance. Meditation, moderate exercise, or talk therapy can enhance mental well-being and possibly restore healthy sexual function.

Although research on vitamins for ED is limited, some studies have shown a relationship between erectile dysfunction and certain vitamin deficiencies. 

If you’re deficient in vitamins B3, B9, C, or D, increasing your consumption might improve your overall wellness — and maybe your ED symptoms. 

That said, there are several things to keep in mind before turning to vitamins as a “proven” ED treatment (which they are not):

• Vitamins like B3, B9, C, and D are important. They support overall health and sexual health and may help in the management of ED. But more research is needed to determine whether natural supplements containing L-arginine, ginseng, and others are as effective as supplement makers claim.

• We don’t know much (yet). It isn’t clear if these micronutrients help with erections and sexual function if you don’t have a vitamin deficiency. In other words, if you’re healthy, taking extra vitamin C may not have any impact on your bedroom performance.

• More isn’t always better. Certain vitamins are toxic when consumed in excess, meaning you shouldn’t take more than the recommended daily dose.

• Vitamins aren’t a replacement for FDA-approved ED medication. They also can’t replace healthy habits and lifestyle changes that make maintaining an erection easier.

Interested in treating ED? Learn more about your options and, if appropriate, access medication by doing an online erectile dysfunction consultation with a licensed healthcare professional. They can offer personalized medical advice and recommend treatment options.

You can also find out more about the most effective options in our full guide to the most common ED treatments. Or check out this blog on whether essential oils for erectile dysfunction are effective.