Ask any bloke and they’ll tell you that they have had trouble getting it up at least once in their lives.
Stress, a restless mind, the pressures of everyday existence and more can get in the way of playtime. And then there’s erectile dysfunction.
Like anything sex-related, there’s a big market for helping blokes in search of erectile-boosting medications and supplements. There’s your classic Viagra and Tadalafil which you can grab on a prescription from your GP and if you want to get all practical about it, sex toys designed to make it stronger (and bigger, so they say anyway). Drugs and pumps aren’t for everyone, though. And if you are weary about everything you see plastered all over the internet and on your Instagram ads, supplements might just be the answer for you. But where to start?
The science behind them and how can they help?
First things first, there is absolutely no scientific evidence out there to suggest that supplements will ever cure erectile dysfunction. What they can do however is help supercharge blokes with mild to moderate cases of it. Over the years, all kinds of research have suggested that vitamins B3, B9, and D are important for male sexual health and may help manage ED alongside a healthy balanced lifestyle and plenty of regular exercise.
The next time you find yourself in your local health store, look out for supplements that contain ginseng (great for stronger erections), L-arginine, L-alanine, L-carnitine, Tribulus Terrestris, pycnogenol, and Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat ali). All have a great track record when it comes to keeping your privates in turbo mode. As always, you can normally naturally sustain all of the above and more in your diet, so it’s best to check with your doctor before you add anything else to the mix. Safety first.
How we tested
All the products listed below consider their claims, as well as their value for money, side effects, performance and scientific standing. We also consulted an expert urologist in the field who lent his advice and tips on how best to combat erectile issues in the long run with supplements and regular exercise.
Whether you suffer from ED or just fancy a stronger boner, we’ve got you covered with our top picks of the best supplements for erectile dysfunction on the market right now.
Other ED remedies
If pills simply aren’t your thing, hit the gym. Engaging in aerobic activity from HIIT classes to weightlifting has, according to Dr Fabio Castiglione, consultant andrologist at King’s College Hospital and director of the Holistic Andrology clinic in London, a “more immediate impact on erectile function because it enhances heart health and circulation.”
The harder your heart pumps, the better your circulation is down there. Alongside these exercises, he also suggests incorporating Kegel exercises into workout routines as this helps strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor.
Shop the best supplements and vitamins for erectile dysfunction below
Solgar Zinc Picolinate 22 mg Tablets
Yes, zinc isn’t just for colds. The wonder mineral also plays a key role in the production of testosterone and sexual well-being. Keeping zinc levels stacked is crucial for maintaining optimal testosterone levels, says Dr Castiglione. Zinc, he says, plays a vital factor in the enzymatic processes that regulate steroidogenesis (the process where hormones are synthesised in the body).
Recent studies have revealed a connection between a lack of zinc and hypogonadism, a condition often characterised by reduced testosterone levels that may lead to ED. Overall, zinc helps to maintain testosterone levels in the body and can have a positive effect on men who suffer from lower sperm counts as it has been shown that a healthy level of the mineral in the body promotes a healthier prostate.
As always, consult your GP before adding zinc into your diet as too much can lead to nasty side effects (hello abdominal cramps).
Buy now £8.07, Solgar
Holland & Barrett Korean Ginseng
If you are one of those stressed-out types, this might be the pill to pop for you. Used for centuries across eastern Asia, Panax Ginseng has been a go-to for those looking for something to help boost their energy levels as well as alleviate fatigue. Recent scientific findings have also shown that it can help men who suffer from erectile dysfunction as the adaptogenic herb also plays a role in regulating stress levels and adrenergic tone.
Too much stress or anxiety can lead to the release of adrenaline which can kill an erection in a heartbeat. Introducing Panax Ginseng into your supplement regimen could “help reduce stress levels as well as cortisol levels because the herb has been shown to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis”, says Dr Castiglione. In short, it basically relaxes the penis muscles, reduces stress and improves blood flow leading to a stronger penis.
Buy now £22.99, Holland & Barrett
Toniiq Nitric Oxide with L-citrulline and L-arginine Booster
Over the years, L-citrulline and L-arginine have graced billboards as the definitive supplements that say they can near cure ED or enhance erectile function. Both, Dr Castiglione says, play a crucial role in the production of nitric oxide (NO), a vital chemical needed for vasodilation, the wondrous process of the widening and opening of blood vessels that eventually leads to an erection.
Out of both ingredients, most go for L-Citrulline as it “has a greater bioavailability.” The effectiveness of it ultimately depends on the concentration of its ingredients: “choosing a supplement that contains fewer but properly concentrated ingredients can offer greater benefits compared to one that has numerous components but lacks the necessary levels for true effectiveness.”
It's as mum says…always check the label.
Buy now £19.97, Amazon
VitaBright Vitamin D3
Some recent global studies suggest that blokes with low vitamin D levels are more prone to suffering from erectile dysfunction. This could be, according to the NHS, because low levels of the vitamin are associated with progressive diseases like coronary artery diseases and hypertension, both caused by blood flow issues that can in turn, raise the risk of ED in men.
Although vitamin D flourishes in foods like salmon and eggs, along with sunshine (which we rarely get in the UK), many Brits are lacking in the vitamin, especially if you live beyond the wall in Scotland. Before adding the supplement to your diet, it’s always worth checking in with your GP as an easy blood test will identify whether you are lacking the mineral in your blood. Once you get your results back, you can then get a recommendation on what your dosage should be going forward.
Buy now £18.99, VitaBright
Holland & Barrett Maca
This plant found high up in the Peruvian Andes is becoming rather trendy in the endocrine world. Often dubbed the ginseng of Peru Maca, Dr Castiglione suggests adding this root to your diet might have a positive effect on the endocrine system promoting balance and potentially assisting men who suffer from ED.
Maca’s effects on sexual health are thought to be related to its impact on hormonal balance, particularly in upping testosterone levels. While its effectiveness is hotly debated, the root is revered for its capacity to enhance energy and stamina, thanks to its rich abundance of vital amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This mashup makes it a “valuable natural supplement for enhancing physical performance and stamina,” which when taken over time, can “help the body handle the physical and psychological stressors commonly associated with ED”.
Buy now £17.99, Holland & Barrett
