Impotence may be alleviated and prevented with various types of antioxidants

There are several possible causes of male impotence, and the risk increases with age. Oxidative stress appears to play a role, as this condition contributes to local atherosclerosis, which restricts blood flow to the penis. However, consuming a variety of antioxidants - such as selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as various carotenoids - may help reduce the risk of impotence, according to a U.S. population study published in Scientific Reports.

Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity and occurs when blood flow is impaired. The risk increases with age and as a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and physical inactivity. Conditions like diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, antihypertensive medication, and cardiovascular disease also increase the risk.

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress have also been shown to play a role in the molecular mechanisms that may lead to impotence. Oxidative stress occurs when potentially harmful free radicals outnumber the protective antioxidants. Once free radicals gain the upper hand, these reactive molecules can damage both cholesterol and cells. When the otherwise essential cholesterol is attacked by free radicals, it turns rancid and becomes unusable for functions like building cell membranes and synthesizing vitamin D, steroid hormones, coenzyme Q10, and other things. As a result, white blood cells engulf the rancid cholesterol, which becomes embedded in arterial walls as foam cells. Eventually, calcium deposits form in the artery walls, narrowing the vessels and further reducing blood flow. This complex process paves the way for atherosclerosis, including in the penis. Oxidative stress may also impair the function of endothelial cells that regulate many key processes between blood and tissue.

The researchers behind the new study wanted to investigate the relationship between antioxidant intake and the risk of impotence. To do so, they used data from the large U.S. population study NHANES, which tracks participants’ dietary habits, lifestyle, and health over time. The new study included 3,665 men aged 20 and older. Men with prostate cancer and those with missing data on BMI, cardiovascular disease, education, smoking, and alcohol use were excluded.
The researchers then calculated the participants’ intake of various antioxidants and their total antioxidant index using multiple datasets from the NHANES study.
Specifically, they analyzed the intake of selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, and a range of carotenoids. It's worth noting that we need different antioxidants because they work in different ways in the body. For example, selenium and vitamin E have a synergistic antioxidant function.

The link between antioxidant index, impotence, and overall health

The study revealed that 863 of the participants - around 27% - suffered from impotence. These were typically older men with high BMI, excessive alcohol intake, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. All of these conditions are typically associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
The researchers also found that men who did not suffer from impotence had a higher intake of antioxidants from their diet and thus experienced less oxidative stress. This pattern was consistent across different subgroups.
The researchers concluded that increased dietary intake of antioxidants reduces the risk of developing impotence. They also explored the molecular mechanisms through which antioxidants help counter oxidative stress and erectile dysfunction.
Additionally, they referenced a previous study (Zhang et al.) showing that a higher antioxidant intake and antioxidant index could improve blood flow to the penis and sexual performance in patients with erectile dysfunction.
Earlier studies have also shown that a high antioxidant index may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, depression, and possibly diabetic neuropathy in people with diabetes.
Altogether, the findings point to a link between the body’s antioxidant index, several chronic diseases, and associated impotence.

Where to find the different antioxidants

• Selenium: Organ meats, eggs, meat, fish, Brazil nuts, grains, and garlic. Because European soil is low in selenium, even a healthy diet may not be sufficient.
• Zinc: Shellfish (especially oysters), meat, eggs, dairy, nuts, seeds, and kernels. Zinc is best absorbed from animal sources.
• True vitamin A (retinol): Found in animal sources such as liver, liver pâté, cod roe, butter, egg yolks, fatty fish, and cod liver oil.
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, berries, cabbage, bell peppers, spinach, and herbs.
• Vitamin E: Especially plant-based sources such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, avocado, and green vegetables. Also cod liver oil.
• Carotenoids: Yellow, orange, and red pigments in carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, melons, shrimp, lobster, wild salmon, etc.

References:

Zhu, H., Chen,S., Ye, Q., et al. Association between composite dietary antioxidant index and erectile dysfunction among American adults. A cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports 2024.

Priyom Bose. New Research highlights role of dietary antioxidants in reducing erectile dysfunction risk. News Medical Life Sciences. 2024