Vitamin B12 Dosage for Erectile Dysfunction

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient found naturally in foods of animal origin. Besides taking part in hundreds of metabolic processes vital to our body, this vitamin is crucial in preventing erectile dysfunction (ED).

This article will show you everything you need to know about vitamin B12, including what it is, the ideal dosage for ED, and where to get it from. Also, you will learn how exactly this nutrient helps against ED.

Vitamin B12’s Benefits for Erectile Dysfunction

Existing studies show that regular vitamin B12 supplementation may help reduce homocysteine levels, one of the amino acids that increase the risk of endothelial malfunction [3].

In addition, vitamin B12 helps produce red blood cells, which could favor more intense and longer-lasting sexual intercourse. It is also excellent for heart and nerve health, though there are other aspects in which vitamin B12 can improve male sexuality.

Prevents Premature Ejaculation

A 2019 study shows that vitamin B12 deficiency may influence premature ejaculation [4].

One hundred fifty-five men between 18 and 50-year-olds participated in this test; 50 were vitamin B12 deficient, 53 were not, and the rest were completely healthy. The conclusion was that men with a B12 deficiency had a lower intravaginal ejaculation time.

Helps Testosterone Production

The whole complex of B vitamins plays a vital role in testosterone production. People with low levels of B12 have even more problems with levels of this hormone [5].

Increases Semen Quality

Vitamin B12 significantly influences semen quality. Research shows that high levels of this nutrient can increase sperm count, improve sperm motility, and reduce DNA damage [6].

However, it is worth noting that this study points out that more clinical research is still needed to confirm these favorable effects.

What Is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a group of compounds with a similar structure that contains the mineral cobalt.

This nutrient is one of the most important for our body, as it is necessary for forming red blood cells and DNA. Also, it plays a key role in developing brain and nerve cells and can be vital for preventing ED.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause chronic weakness, fatigue, constipation, appetite changes, weight loss, and megaloblastic anemia. It can also increase the risk of mood disorders, so it is crucial to include it in your diet [1].

Vitamin B12 Specs

Chemical Name	C₆₃H₈₈CoN₁₄O₁₄P
Sources	Food of animal origin
Main Benefits	Forms red blood cells and DNA

Sources of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is found naturally in foods of animal origin. If you follow a vegan diet, take supplements to avoid health issues.

The following foods are rich in vitamin B12:

Clams
Beef liver
Fish, especially salmon, and tuna
Meat
Poultry
Eggs
Dairy products

It is also worth mentioning that you can find products fortified with vitamin B12 in the supermarket, such as some cereals or nutritional yeast.

Vitamin B12 Dosage

The daily suggested dose of vitamin B12 for both male and female adults is 2.4 mcg, though keep in mind that this amount varies depending on your age.

You’ll have a lower B12 absorption rate the older you get, making it even more crucial to take supplements and fortified foods to compensate as you age. However, it’s better to get vitamins from food instead of pills [7].

For ED and deficiency cases, adding a 500 mcg vitamin B12 supplement to your diet may help. For more severe cases, 1000 mcg supplements could be beneficial, but the body has limits on absorption [2].

Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should take a slightly higher dose — 2.6mcg — to provide the necessary intake for your baby.

Recommended daily vitamin B12 values

Age Range	Men	Women
0-18	0.4 -2.4 mcg	0.4 -2.4 mcg
18-45	2.4 mcg	2.4 mcg
50+	2.4 mcg	2.4 mcg

B12 Side Effects & Interactions

Vitamin B12 is completely safe, even in large amounts. However, if you significantly exceed the recommended dose, you may suffer some side effects, so we suggest you take it carefully.

These are the most common side effects of vitamin B12:

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue or weakness
Tingling sensation in hands and feet

There are also some interactions to be aware of. The following substances can reduce your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 or reduce its availability.

Aminosalicylic acid is used for digestive disorders.
Colchicine helps treat gout.
Metformin is a common drug for diabetes.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and other drugs that reduce stomach acid.
Vitamin C, including supplements.

Where to Buy or Look for Vitamin B12 Supplements

Vitamin B12 supplements can be easily found in pharmacies, health food stores, or online. Make sure you buy from a reputable brand with plenty of good reviews so you can get a high-quality supplement.

In addition, you can choose between different ways to take it —usually in tablets, liquid, or gummies.

Final Thoughts: Vitamin B12 Dosage for Erectile Dysfunction

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient for the proper functioning of our body. Both young and older people need to have high levels of B12 to avoid health issues, such as ED and many cardiovascular diseases.

You can find vitamin B12 in most foods of animal origin — especially clams and beef liver. If you are vegan or don’t eat much meat, we recommend you take supplements of this nutrient.

Although you can get it in any pharmacy or dietetic, we recommend you buy it online to compare the quality of the different products in the market.

References Used

Stabler, S. P. (2013). Vitamin B12 deficiency. The New England Journal of Medicine, 368(2), 149–160.
Oh, R., & Brown, D. L. (2003). Vitamin B12 deficiency. American family physician, 67(5), 979–986.
Chen, Y., Li, J., Li, T., Long, J., Liao, J., Wei, G. H., Mo, Z., & Cheng, J. (2019). Association between homocysteine, vitamin B 12, folic acid and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study in China. BMJ open, 9(5), e023003.
Kronik Gastritli Hastalarda Vitamin B12 Eksikliğinin Ejakulasyon Süresine Olan Etkileri. (s/f). Jurolsurgery.org.
Cui, T., & Terlecki, R. (2018). Prevalence of Relative Deficiencies in Testosterone and Vitamin B12 Among Patients Referred for Chronic Orchialgia: Implications for Management. American journal of men’s health, 12(3), 608–611.
Banihani S. A. (2017). Vitamin B12 and Semen Quality. Biomolecules, 7(2), 42.
Greibe, E., Nymark, O., Fedosov, S. N., Heegaard, C. W., & Nexo, E. (2018). Dietary intake of vitamin B12 is better for restoring a low B12 status than a daily high-dose vitamin pill: An experimental study in rats. Nutrients, 10(8), 1096.