Help Prevent Erectile Dysfunction with Alpha Lipoic Acid
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to have or keep an erection. It can be a complication of many chronic conditions. Fortunately, studies suggest alpha lipoic acid can help safely treat ED without the potentially negative side effects of conventional treatments. (ii.185-186)
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is usually caused by damage to nerves, other tissue, or blood vessels in the penis. In addition to physical injury, certain conditions, lifestyle, and medications can cause the damage that leads to ED. These include: (ii.185)
- Alcoholism
- Antihistamines
- Anxiety/stress
- Cardiovascular diseases (such as clogged arteries and hypertension)
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Excess body weight
- Multiple sclerosis
- Smoking
- Ulcer drug (cimetidine)
Ironically, some of the drugs used to treat conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction can also cause ED. These include: (ii.185)
- Antidepressants
- Appetite suppressants
- High blood pressure medication
- Tranquilizers
How Can Alpha Lipoic Acid Help?
Lab and animal studies suggest alpha lipoic acid could help prevent or reverse ED in diabetic men. Along with gamma-linolenic acid, preliminary studies say alpha lipoic acid can improve the function of spongy structures in the penis needed for erection. (ii.16, 185, 187)
Results of human clinical trials have confirmed these findings. In fact, these studies show alpha lipoic acid may also improve the underlying conditions (such as diabetes) that can lead to erectile dysfunction. (ii.186, 188)