Online CPR Certification Blog

Researchers have found that taking niacin daily, another name for vitamin B3, can help men with high cholesterol that have erectile dysfunction (ED).  Data shows researchers discovered that men who took vitamin B3 experienced improved erectile function.  The study looked at 160 men with moderate to severe erectile dysfunction as well as high cholesterol and gave 80 of those men a daily dose of niacin and the other 80 a placebo pill. The 80 who received the niacin reported improvement in their ability to maintain an erection at the end of the study. The placebo group did not experience any change in symptoms.

The study is exciting for men who suffer from ED for a few different reasons. First of all, vitamin B3 is a well-researched and natural remedy that is safe for virtually any man to take. This is particularly important for men with high cholesterol because erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra and Cialis are considered unsafe to take with cholesterol or blood-thinning medications. Thus, men who have not been able to take Viagra or another erectile dysfunction medication due to heart disease, high cholesterol, or past history of stroke or heart attack may be able to improve their sexual performance in a natural way with niacin. The results of the study are also intriguing because high cholesterol levels are tied to the development of erectile dysfunction, and niacin is known to improve cholesterol and lipid levels.

One in Ten Men Suffer from Erectile Dysfunction Worldwide

According to the Minnesota Men’s Health Center, erectile dysfunction is the most common sexual disorder among men. About 30 million men in the US have erectile dysfunction, and about one in ten men around the world have the disorder. Men who have diabetes are much more likely to suffer from ED and about 50% develop erectile dysfunction during the 10 years following their diagnosis. Smokers are also much more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction, and regardless of lifestyle choices, the chance of developing ED happens to increase as men age. Beyond difficulty performing sexually, erectile dysfunction can lead to increased anxiety levels, stress, a lack of self-esteem, tension, and can put a strain on intimate relationships.  While Viagra and other medications can be extremely effective at treating ED, medical experts say that niacin may be an effective and safer alternative to prescription ED medications.