We all know that vitamins and nutrients are essential for your body’s metabolism, but what about minerals? Did you know minerals are equally important for your body? These minerals include calcium, zinc, manganese, and phosphorus. They play a vital role in many aspects of human health, such as growth, reproduction, and immunity.
Zinc deficiency is believed to affect the sexual health of men. Zinc is one of the essential minerals that your body needs for its metabolism, cellular growth, reproduction, and new cell generation. It is the second most abundant mineral in your body after Iron. Your body doesn't produce zinc; hence you need to consume it through food or supplements to meet your everyday needs.
Zinc plays an essential role in producing and regulating many hormones, including testosterone. Many studies suggest that deficiency of zinc may lead to erectile dysfunction (1).
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to keep an erection firm enough during sex. According to the American Urological Association, it is observed that 30 million men in the United States are affected by ED. Physical and mental stress can also be the cause of Erectile Dysfunction (2).
High blood sugar, high cholesterol reduces the blood flow, which constrains the penile firmness. Mental stress also affects sexual desire and confidence. ED can be caused due to the imbalance in hormone regulation and blood circulation. Patients with ED may also experience delayed or premature ejaculation (3) (4).
Here is a list of common causes:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Lack of physical fitness, obesity
- Nutritional deficiency
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar levels
- Bad lifestyle habits such as smoking, drugs or alcohol use
- Nerve or spinal cord injury
- Mental illness such as stress, depression, personal or workplace conflict
Zinc and Testosterone
Zinc plays an essential role in the development and functioning of male sex organs. Zinc deficiency leads to less developed testes and reduced sperm count.
Zinc helps and enhances the production of some key sex hormones, namely testosterone and prolactin. Testosterone is a hormone released by testicles. It plays a significant role in the sexual development and appearances of men. Testosterone helps to stimulate sperm production and builds muscle and bone mass in men (5).
Zinc also enhances the production of the prostatic fluid. The prostatic fluid contains enzymes such as prostate-specific antigen(PSA), zinc and citric acid, and other components that make semen ideal for sperm cells to live (5)(6).
Few studies suggest that zinc plays a vital role in male sexual competency. It is observed that the consumption of supplements containing zinc and folic acid has improved ejaculatory control in premature ejaculation (7).
Experts suggest zinc supplements for ED patients with long-term kidney disorders (8). Studies indicate that even a minor zinc deficiency has been associated with hypogonadism, a testosterone deficiency in men. This may result in failure to produce sperms, testosterone, or both. Reduced testosterone can lead to side effects such as increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, reduced sex drive, and erectile dysfunction (9)(10).
Zinc deficiency can lead to spermatogenesis, reduced sperm production, and sometimes sperm abnormalities. Around 9% of men have reported infertility issues. A study has indicated that 20-30% of infertility cases are due to men's sperm abnormalities (11).
Research conducted to evaluate zinc’s role on sexual hormones, in which older age group men were given zinc supplements for 6months, a substantial increase in the testosterone levels was observed. It showed an increase of testosterone from 8.3nmol/L to 16nmol/L in middle age group men. There was not much effect on young age group men. Although there is a lack of research connecting zinc and erectile dysfunction, few studies reveal that zinc plays a vital role in sexual hormone production and ED. (12)
Zinc and Other Hormones
Zinc plays a vital role in producing several other hormones in your body. It is essential for the production of thyroid releasing hormones. When there is zinc deficiency, thyroid hormone production is affected, which affects the testosterone levels in men.
A study conducted among the wrestlers suggests that intensive exercise would lead you to exhaustion and lead to a decrease in both thyroid hormones and testosterone levels. (13)
Treating Erectile Dysfunction With Zinc Supplements
Cardiac diseases, high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol, stress, nervous system injuries are more likely to cause ED. In some cases, ED is caused due to hypogonadism or low testosterone. Though various factors lead to ED, zinc deficiency is considered a vital factor that needs to be addressed while treating ED.
Naturally, the testosterone level decreases with age, and regular intake of certain medications can also impact your testosterone levels. If you are suffering from hyper or hypothyroidism, it can affect your testosterone levels. Zinc supplements would have a drastic impact on testosterone levels during zinc deficiency.
Experts recommend zinc supplements to patients with ED. Generally, men use supplements to replace prescription medications like viagra, but it can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of these medications. Some of the natural supplements available to relieve ED symptoms are L-Arginine, DHEA, and carnitine.
Zinc treatment has many advantages, such as boosting your immunity and improving the body's natural testosterone levels. Currently, several studies are being performed to provide conclusive evidence on the efficacy of natural supplements in reducing ED symptoms (14) (15) (16).
Zinc Supplements
Zinc is one of the essential nutrients to your body. It is necessary to consume zinc in your daily diet. 11mg/day of zinc is considered an ideal amount for an adult male. 8mg/day is deemed to be suitable for women. (17)
Follow a high protein diet, and include meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and chicken in your diet, all rich in zinc. In a vegetarian diet, high-protein foods like nuts, whole grains, and legumes can be added.
If you cannot get enough zinc through your diet, then zinc supplements available in multivitamins such as zinc gluconate and zinc acetate can be considered. Zinc orotate, in which zinc is distilled to acid, is considered one of the most easily accessible forms of zinc for the human body.
Side Effects of Zinc
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), increased or excess intake of zinc in your daily diet would result in diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. It suggested that the maximum intake of zinc should not exceed 40mg per day. If you experience any such symptoms, please consult your physician (18).
Generally, the human body contains only 2 to 3gm of zinc. It is challenging to diagnose zinc deficiency because it is distributed throughout the body. It is suggested to undertake a zinc taste test(ZTT) for identification of zinc deficiency, routine blood tests can also indicate the low blood zinc levels during zinc deficiency.
Consider taking zinc supplements only when advised by your physician. It's important to know that increased levels of zinc can reduce copper levels and also affects iron levels.
Final Words
Zinc is present all over your body. Zinc deficiency is one of the reasons for erectile dysfunction. If you are facing any symptoms of ED or suspect that you might have zinc deficiency then consult your doctor immediately. There are few tests to be conducted before they advise you with zinc supplements. Do not consume zinc supplements without consulting your doctor.