Welcome to Medivizor!

You're browsing our sample library. Feel free to continue browsing. You can also sign up for free to receive medical information specific to your situation.

Posted by on Feb 17, 2020 in Erectile dysfunction | 0 comments

In a nutshell

This study investigated the effects of folic acid supplementation on homocysteine blood levels and on erectile dysfunction (ED). Researchers suggested that homocysteine is associated with ED and folic acid can improve both homocysteine levels and ED.

Some background

ED is defined as the inability to have and maintain an erection sufficient to have sexual intercourse. ED has common risk factors with heart-related diseases. For example, it has been associated with increased levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is a protein necessary for body function. However, too much of this protein can lead to heart problems and ED.

Folic acid is another molecule important for body function. Prior studies suggested that this molecule can stop the action of homocysteine. However, it is still not clear if acid folic can improve ED.

Methods & findings

This study included information about 50 ED patients and 50 healthy participants (control group). These patients received folic acid daily for 3 months and were evaluated before and after therapy. Blood levels of homocysteine were also measured.

After folic acid therapy, all the participants had an improvement in ED. Moreover, the levels of homocysteine in the blood decreased after folic acid treatment. This suggests that blood levels of homocysteine are associated with penile levels before and after folic acid.

The bottom line

This study concluded that therapy with folic acid decreases the level of penile homocysteine, therefore improving ED.   

The fine print

This study included a limited number of participants. Further studies with greater populations are needed.

What’s next?

If you have concerns about ED management, please discuss this with your doctor.

Published By :

Andrology

Date :

Dec 30, 2019

Original Title :

Folic acid supplementation improves erectile function in patients with idiopathic vasculogenic erectile dysfunction by lowering peripheral and penile homocysteine plasma levels: a case-control study.

click here to get personalized updates