Best Vitamins for Men That Can Boost Sex Drive

You are likely well aware of how to maintain a healthy body and functional mind – with a daily dose of exercise, a good nights’ sleep, and a balanced diet, right? – but what about the one topic you’ve been avoiding? The one that keeps resurfacing under the sheets that can hold you back from being intimate with yourself and others? When your sex drive is dwindling and you are unable to rise to the occasion, it can feel embarrassing and isolating, but you are not alone. RELATED: The Best Multivitamins for Men Contrary to popular belief, low libido isn’t just reserved for the unhealthy, asexual, or geriatric. “Recent epidemiological studies have shown that low libido, and conditions like erectile dysfunction (ED), affect a large number of adult males; this includes many men under 50,” says Dr. Jenelle Kim, the founder of JBK Wellness Labs. One study found that as many as 25 percent of men under 40 have experienced symptoms of ED, she adds. So where do you go from here? Well, it should be reassuring to know that all hope is not lost. For many men, a change in daily vitamin intake can make all the difference. What Is the Cause of Low Sex Drive? Before you start stocking up on every vitamin you spy, you need to get the root cause of a low sex drive to see what nutrients can improve it and what life circumstances might be coming into play, as well. Stress, anxiety, or sadness: According to Dr. Katherine Hertlein, a world-renowned couples therapist, sexuality educator, and expert advisor at Blueheart, not wanting to have sex for a prolonged period of time, or wanting to have sex less frequently than in the past, can both be signs of low libido. “Libido fluctuates over time and it can be affected by lots of different factors,” she says. “If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or sad. It can also be impacted by major life events such as the loss of a family member, losing a job, depression, or other major changes in your life.” Nutrient deficiencies: In some cases, research has shown that incorporating supplements such as vitamin C, D, and E, folic acid, calcium, pomegranate, and walnuts can all help improve prostate health, maintain healthy testosterone levels, and boost male libido. Dr. Tan MD, a specialist in men's health at Harley Street, says “Your best defense for a strong libido is a healthy lifestyle and a diet full of vitamin-rich foods that keep your immune system strong and blood flowing freely. After all, the penis is an organ and healthy blood flow is crucial for erections.” If you are looking for a back-up plan for your diet, to ensure you cover all your bases when it comes to vitamins for sex drive, we scoured the web to find the best options out there. RELATED: Best Vitamins to Buy on Amazon Best Vitamins to Improve Sex Drive Carlyle Vitamin D3 10,000 IU “Vitamin D is essential for the wellness of male sexual function, and vitamin D administration improves sexual function,” says Dr. Rashmi Byakodi. Studies have also suggested that low vitamin D levels may be associated with the occurrence of sexual disturbances, especially erectile dysfunction, in men. Carlyle’s Vitamin D3 is an easy-to-swallow soft gel capsule that promotes calcium absorption and supports muscle health. $16.99 at Amazon.com Nature Made Men's Multivitamin Tablets Nature Made Men's Multivitamin tablets are formulated with 22 key nutrients to support men’s health, including many of the critical ones mentioned above, such as vitamin C, D, and E. $7.49 for 90 at Amazon.com Viva Natural Vitamin C Ensuring your body and immune system are in a healthy state will move you one step closer to having a more robust sex life. Dr. Tan MD says “foods rich in vitamin C are your best friend for boosting immunity.” However, if you are struggling to meet the daily recommended intake of vitamin C through diet alone, these vegetarian supplements – containing 1,000 mg of vitamin C – can help. $25.27 for 250 at Amazon.com Nutricost Vitamin E 400 IU  “Important for stamina and energy, vitamin E is also good for blood circulation which is responsible for erections,” says clinical sexologist and sex, intimacy, and relationship advisor Katie Lasson. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils but can easily be missed in your daily diet. Nutricost’s soft gel capsules are a way to make sure you don’t miss out. $15.95 for 240 at Amazon.com GNC Mega Men Prostate and Virility “Vitamins and minerals are critical in the processes of androgen and testosterone production. Important ones to include into your daily regimen include vitamins A & E, zinc, selenium, and L-Arginine (an amino acid),” says Dr. Kim. Mega Men's capsules contain all those key nutrients and more. These vitamins are also designed to support overall prostate health with a unique blend, including saw palmetto and pumpkin seed meal. $29.99 for 90 at Amazon.com Nature's Bounty Iron Tablets “Iron is critical for maintaining a good level of sexual arousal, as iron deficiency is linked to contributing to erectile dysfunction. It also helps combat Anemia which is one of the health conditions that causes low libido,” says Lasson. Nature’s Bounty Iron tablets support red blood cell production and will allow you to maintain good energy levels throughout the day. $6.49 for 100 at Amazon.com RELATED: Vitamin Buying Guide: What Men Need to Know Nobi Nutrition Magnesium Citrate Complex “Magnesium aids in making sure we get enough good sleep. When we are well-rested, our body is able to produce normal testosterone levels for the body to properly function,” says Lasson. Magnesium Complex helps calm and relax your body and relieves muscle tension. $33.50 for 120 at Amazon.com Optimum Nutrition ZMA Capsules “Lack of zinc contributes to sterility or infertility. Ironically, a deficiency of zinc does not lead to decreased sex drive. In the end, it's still important to have adequate zinc in the body to improve overall health,” says Lasson. ZMA supports the breakdown of nutrients in food and turns them into energy, to maintain a healthy immune system. $19.05 for 90 at Amazon.com Pure Synergy VitaMinHerb Men's Complete Multivitamin Damiana leaves have had a history of being used as an aphrodisiac in Central and South America, with its leaves being drunk as tea by men and women to enhance lovemaking, says functional health consultant and clinical herbalist Jessica Meyers. Studies also prove it has the ability to increase sexual drive, and help men to get and sustain erectile function because it interacts with the body in a similar way to prescription erection-enhancing medications, she adds. Pure Synergy’s capsules are made with a high volume of Ashwagandha Root and Damiana Leaf (in addition to core vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and E, calcium, and biotin) and aim to support and fortify a man’s body and his dynamic physiology. $52 at Amazon.com Toniiq Ultra Concentrated Tribulus Capsules Tribulus tops many nutritionists' lists for the best supplements to counteract low libido, and for good reason: it works. It's derived from a small, leafy plant, Tribulus terrestris, long popular in ancient Chinese medicine, but clinical research has backed up its libido-boosting powers: in a two-month long study, nearly 80 percent of men taking between 750mg and 1,500mg reported a noticeable increase in sex drive. We're particularly fond of this offering from Toniiq, with its high, concentrated dose of 1,235mg, and its gluten-free, preservative-free, vegetarian capsules.  $17.97 at Amazon.com NutraChamps Korean Red Panax Ginseng Red ginseng has a long history in folk medicine as a treatment for low libido and diminished sexual function, and modern science now understands why: with a dosage of 3mg, it boosts nitric oxide production, which translates into better blood circulation and, as a consequence, harder erections. $22.97 for 120 at Amazon.com It’s normal to feel a lack of confidence after experiencing low libido which is why Dr. Hertlein suggests trying other natural options, as well as vitamins and minerals, to improve your sexual desire. This includes: trying to decrease the level of stress in your life, being patient with yourself, getting regular exercise, sticking to a nutritious diet, communicating honestly with your partner(s), and visiting sexual health and couples therapists. If you find that natural methods aren't working, speak to your doctor. You Might Also Dig: Best Vitamins for Boosting Immunity Best Gummy Vitamins Best Collagen Supplements