Sexual Health: 5 Nutraceutical Ingredients to Watch
A healthy sex life is an important part of the health and well-being of any individual. But adult men and women around the globe experience at least one sexual dysfunction, be it sexual dissatisfaction, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, or low estradiol.
Published studies have shown 20-30% of adult men and 40-45% of adult women experience some form of sexual dysfunction, resulting in poorer sexual health and well-being.[i] And although some pharmaceutical remedies are available for these issues, they are not without side effects. On the other hand, nutraceuticals and dietary supplements can potentially help with sexual dysfunction with little to no side-effect.
Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG), Vice President of Scientific of Regulatory Affairs for NutraScience Labs and Professor of Nutraceutical Science at Huntington University of Health Sciences, shed light on five nutraceutical ingredients to watch out for better sexual health in his informative article published in Nutritional Outlook. Brand owners interested in creating and bringing supplements to the market that address sexual dysfunction and health will want to continue reading. Although many nutraceuticals may help improve sexual health, D-aspartic acid, fenugreek, Eurycoma longifolia, vitamin D, and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are the five ingredients Gene discusses.
D-aspartic Acid
He starts with D-aspartic acid. The amino acid responsible for hormonal regulation, whose regular consumption has been linked with significant improvements in concentration levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone via clinical research.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is another ingredient that can influence sexual health, which finds its roots in Ayurvedic and ancient Chinese medicines. Clinical studies link a daily dose of fenugreek extract with improved sexual cognition, sexual functioning, sexual behavior, sexual arousal, and orgasms.
Eurycoma longifolia
Another herbal medicinal plant originating in Southeast Asia, Eurycoma longifolia Jack, can increase testosterone levels and overall sexual well-being with regular consumption.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is yet another ingredient that can improve sexual health. Although, vitamin D is commonly associated with bone strength and other aspects of a healthy body, but lower levels of vitamin D are also associated with lower testosterone levels (and vice versa). And regular intake of vitamin D supplements can contribute to higher testosterone levels and improved sexual health in men.
DHEA
Similar to the previously discussed ingredients, DHEA also has the potential to improve sexual health and well-being as the basic building block of sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. Clinical evidence demonstrates that daily DHEA supplements are effective for men with erectile dysfunction, boost sexual interest and sexual thoughts in women, and increase serum testosterone levels for elderly men and women.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Gene states that although sexual dysfunction is common among adult women and men, certain nutraceuticals have been clinically studied and shown to promote sexual health.
Aside from D-aspartic acid, fenugreek, Eurycoma longifolia, vitamin D, and DHEA, many other nutraceuticals also have strong evidentiary backing for their efficacy in promoting sexual health and well-being. Current and aspiring brand owners looking to start or expand their product line would be wise to develop a sexual health supplement formula that contains one or more of the ingredients mentioned in this article.
Learn more about nutraceuticals for sexual health by reading Gene’s article which appeared in the October 2022 issue of Nutritional Outlook.
References:
[i] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16422981/
