Uncover the Benefits of Vitamin K2 for Erectile Dysfunction
Dr. Eric Berg
11/02/2023Vitamin K2 promotes vascular dilatation needed for erectile function, and vitamin K deficiency can lead to circulatory problems linked to impaired penile blood flow and erectile dysfunction.
Discover the benefits of vitamin K2 for erectile dysfunction and find out what other steps you can take to improve pelvic circulation.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
ED affects millions of men and can result in low self-esteem, relationship problems, and persistent stress.
The development of ED has been linked to a wide range of risk factors, including:
Age
Stress and anxiety
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome
Smoking
Certain medications
Alcohol and drug use
Conventional ED treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, including weight loss, stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.
In more severe cases, a healthcare provider may suggest steroid hormone therapy, vacuum pumps, or penile implants.
Watch the video below to learn about five simple things that can help reverse ED.
What is vitamin K2?
Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins that predominantly consist of vitamin K1 and vitamin K2.
Both vitamins K1 and K2 regulate the activation of blood coagulation proteins needed for proper blood clotting and wound healing.
A study published in Nutrients suggests that in addition to its role in blood clotting, vitamin K2 also plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium balance by activating proteins that bind and deposit calcium into bone and teeth.
Not only does vitamin K2 promote healthy bones, but it also significantly lowers the risk of calcium accumulation in blood vessels, also known as vascular calcification.
How can vitamin K2 help with erectile dysfunction?
Cardiovascular and sexual health are closely linked, and impaired pelvic blood flow has been linked with the development of ED.
“While ED can be linked to imbalanced hormone levels, impotence in men with a healthy sex drive can indicate potential circulatory issues,” explains Dr. Berg.
Evidence published in Life Extension Magazine found that vitamin K2 deficiency is associated with an increased risk of vascular calcification and the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels, which can impact erectile function.
Vitamin K2 supplementation can inhibit and even reverse vascular calcification, thereby improving blood flow to the penis.
In addition, a study published in Vascular Pharmacology suggests that vitamin K2 enhances nitric oxide production, which is crucial for sexual health as it widens penile blood vessels and stimulates increased blood flow essential for achieving and maintaining an erection.
Although more studies are needed to confirm the role of vitamin K2 regarding male sex hormone balance, research published in Food and Function suggests that vitamin K2 promotes testosterone production in the testes, which is linked to a lower risk of ED.
Sources of vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is found in some animal products and fermented foods and is one of the few nutrients that can be produced by certain gut bacteria.
Vitamin K1 can be converted into vitamin K2 via bacterial fermentation, making fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and natto, a Japanese soybean dish, excellent sources of vitamin K2.
Other dietary sources of vitamin K2 include butter, cheese, organ meat, oily fish, and egg yolks.
While vitamin K2 can also be synthesized by certain beneficial gut bacteria, evidence published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that bacterial vitamin K2 production isn’t sufficient to maintain healthy vitamin K2 levels.
More ways to improve ED
ED is a complex condition that can develop as a result of hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular issues, psychological factors, and chronic stress.
Addressing potential underlying factors of ED with beneficial dietary and lifestyle choices can significantly improve erectile function and enhance sexual satisfaction.
Here are three ways to improve ED.
1. Vitamin D3
A study published in the World Journal of Men's Health suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of ED.
Vitamin D3 and K2 work in synergy to maintain calcium balance and promote cardiovascular health, and taking vitamin K2 in combination with vitamin D3 may benefit individuals with impotence.
Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in maintaining circulatory health, and low vitamin D levels are linked to vascular damage and the hardening of blood vessels, which can lead to impaired penile blood flow and ED.
2. Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for low testosterone, excessive weight, poor circulatory health, and metabolic syndrome, all of which are linked to the development of ED.
This has been confirmed by research published in Sexual Medicine Reviews that found “Across all erectile dysfunction treatments, physical activity often shows the largest improvements in erectile function.”
Physical activity can enhance sexual function by promoting cardiovascular and metabolic health, boosting testosterone, and stimulating nitric oxide production.
3. Avoid a high-carb diet
A diet high in sugars and carbs is associated with poor circulatory health and may exacerbate ED.
Regular consumption of sugars and refined carbohydrates negatively affects the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels, which can impair the ability to achieve and maintain erections.
A nutritious low-carb diet like Healthy Keto® helps avoid vascular damage from sugars and carbs and has been found to promote blood flow and balanced sex hormone levels linked to proper erectile function.
Key takeaways
The benefits of vitamin K2 for erectile dysfunction are hard to ignore.
Vitamin K2 promotes blood flow to the pelvic area and stimulates the production of nitric oxide, a crucial compound needed to achieve and maintain erections.
Vitamin K2 supplementation, especially in combination with vitamin D3, is generally considered safe for most people and may especially benefit individuals with ED.
Additional resources
FAQ
1. Can I use vitamin K2 for erectile dysfunction?
Yes, vitamin K2 has been found beneficial for individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Vitamin K2 promotes proper blood flow to the pelvic area and stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which is crucial to achieving and maintaining an erection.
2. How do I use vitamin K2 for erectile dysfunction?
You can take vitamin K2 supplements or add vitamin K2-rich foods—including sauerkraut, natto, kimchi, and kefir—to your diet. A normal vitamin K2 level promotes circulatory health and nitric oxide release, which is linked to improved erectile function.
3. How much vitamin K2 for erectile dysfunction?
Most healthcare professionals suggest that vitamin K2 doses of around 120 mcg daily are adequate to maintain healthy vitamin K status in men.
4. What does vitamin K2 do for men?
Vitamin K2 has been found to promote the balanced production of testosterone, a crucial male sex hormone needed for reproductive and sexual health.
In addition, there is evidence that vitamin K2 may lower the risk of prostate cancer by inhibiting the growth of carcinogenic prostate cells.
5. Does vitamin K2 increase testosterone?
While more research is needed to confirm vitamin K2’s role in hormonal balance, there is evidence that vitamin K2 enhances testicular testosterone production linked to proper erectile function and a lower risk of ED.
6. What is the best vitamin for erectile dysfunction?
Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin K2 is crucial to prevent arterial calcification linked to impaired penile blood flow and ED.
In addition, ED has been found to be associated with vitamin D deficiency, and taking vitamin K2 in combination with D3 can support vascular function and improve blood flow to the pelvis.
7. Does vitamin K2 improve blood flow?
Yes, vitamin K2 can help improve blood flow by depositing circulating calcium into bones, which significantly lowers the risk of arterial calcification, vascular damage, and the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels.
In addition, vitamin K2 enhances nitric oxide production needed to relax and widen blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow and overall cardiovascular health.
Sources
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2017/11/vitamin-k-and-arterial-stiffness
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/
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