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Antioxidant Meta-Analyses & Erectile Dysfunction

This article reviews human evidence on antioxidant supplementation and dietary antioxidants in erectile dysfunction (ED). It summarizes meta-analyses, population studies, and Mendelian randomization. It covers effectiveness, safety, limitations, and practical guidance.

Meta-analysis evidence

  • Ramasamy et al. 2025 pooled 23 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials with 1,583 men and found a mean improvement of 5.5 IIEF-EF points vs placebo over a median of 12 weeks (95% CI 3.7 to 7.3; p < 0.001). Source: PubMed and the journal page at WJMH.
  • Greater benefit in men with more severe baseline ED. Source: WJMH.
  • Adverse events were uncommon and mild with no serious events reported. Source: PubMed.

Population and dietary studies

  • Higher Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index scores were associated with lower ED prevalence in US men after adjustment for confounders. Source: J Health Popul Nutr 2024.
  • Analyses using NHANES data show a negative association between dietary antioxidant intake and ED severity. Source: Scientific Reports 2024.

Mendelian randomization findings

  • Elevated plasma vitamin A levels were causally associated with higher ED risk in genetic analyses. Other antioxidants showed mixed signals. Source: WJMH 2025.

Which antioxidants show signals

  • L-arginine appears in several positive trials and blends within the meta-analysis dataset. Effects vary by dose and combination. Source: WJMH.
  • Pycnogenol features in blends that produced clinically meaningful IIEF-EF gains versus placebo. Source: WJMH.
  • Vitamin E, carotenoids, selenium show supportive associations in observational work and appear in some blends, while single-nutrient RCTs are less consistent. Source: WJMH.

Safety and limitations

  • Heterogeneity of trials was very high due to differences in baseline severity, agents, doses, and durations, which limits precision of pooled estimates. Source: PubMed.
  • Most trials lasted 4 to 24 weeks. Long-term effects and durability after stopping are unclear. Source: PubMed.
  • Genetic evidence suggests caution with fat-soluble vitamins. More is not always better, particularly for vitamin A. Source: WJMH.
  • Observational associations may reflect residual confounding despite adjustment. Sources: JHPN, Scientific Reports.

Practical implications for Erectimus users

  • Antioxidant supplementation improved erectile function by about 5 to 6 IIEF-EF points over approximately 8 to 12 weeks in pooled RCTs. Expect incremental change rather than immediate effects. Source: PubMed.
  • Use quality formulations with clear dosing and ingredient transparency. Blends often performed better than single agents in trials.
  • Combine supplementation with lifestyle measures that support vascular health: diet rich in antioxidant foods, regular exercise, weight management, and smoking cessation.
  • Consult a clinician if you have chronic disease or take prescription medicines, especially where fat-soluble vitamins are involved.

Where to learn more on this site

References

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