Improve Your Libido with Vitamins and Minerals

A good diet is important for a good health to keep all systems functioning well, including our sex drive. But most of the time the food we eat, may lack all the vital nutrients or may not be readily absorbed by the body. Taking dietary supplements gives an optimum intake of vitamins and minerals you may lack from your diet and some of these supplements provide an essential source for a healthy reproductive and active sex life. These micronutrients are crucial in maintaining a healthy reproduction and an active libido.

So what vitamins improve libido? Here we will look at them as well as some minerals you can take as supplements to increase your libido dramatically.

Zinc – This mineral is essential for healthy sexual function and the health of the sexual organs. In men, zinc is highly concentrated in the prostate gland and sperm. That’s because it is required for the production of testosterone as well as several hormones involved with genital function. It has been used to treat infertility. Low zinc levels have been correlated with delayed sexual maturation, lower testosterone levels and semen quality, prostatitis (infections of the prostate gland), infertility and sexual dysfunction.

Magnesium – Magnesium is a trace mineral that is important for the production of sex hormones such as androgen, estrogen and neurotransmitters that modulate the sex drive - such as dopamine and nor-epinephrine. It’s also involved in the transportation of oxygen in your muscle tissues which is important during erection. Magnesium promotes muscle strength and endurance. What is really great is that it also is proven to promote relaxation which is important for a more conducive atmosphere for one hot bout in bed.

Manganese – The metabolism of the female hormone oestrogen depends on manganese. It follows that a deficiency of manganese will significantly reduce fertility in women. It has a positive effect on the libido by increasing energy levels and the brain's ability to receive and send messages. It also helps the reproductive organs to work properly because of its effect on tissues and nerves.

Selenium – It is important for sperm production and motility. Around 50% of the selenium in a man is in the testes and seminal ducts and men lose selenium in their semen. Getting enough selenium is vital for peak sexual performance. For women, this mineral is vital to ensure the production of healthy egg cells.

L-arginine – Known as “natures Viagra”. It doesn’t only bolster the immune system and increases growth hormones; it also increases the amount of nitric oxide in the body which is very critical for an erection to take place. A study published in 1994 showed an 80% improvement in the erectile function of men given 2.8 grams of arginine a day for a period of two weeks.

L-tyrosine – Tyrosine supports and assists neurotransmitters in the brain. An amino acid or building block of protein, Tyrosine is frequently used to alleviate depression which can be a major block to normal sexual drive and enjoyment. Tyrosine is believed to decrease reactions to stress, stimulate the sex drive and have aphrodisiac properties.

Vitamin A – Retinol helps regulate the synthesis of the sex hormone progesterone. Furthermore, it is important for the production of oestrogen and testosterone. It regulates sexual growth, development, and reproduction by turning on genes in response to sex hormone triggers. Proper amounts of vitamin A can mean healthy sperm and virility. It also maintains the health of the epithelial tissues which line all the external and internal surfaces of the body, including the linings of the vagina and the uterus in women.

Vitamin B – All of the B vitamins are involved with production of energy, metabolism and synthesis of hormones. B vitamins may be the most important nutrient for healthy function of the nerves. Lack of sensory function can directly lead to lack of sexual fulfillment. Lower levels of B vitamins mean lower levels of sex hormones and lower libido.

Vitamin C – Ascorbate participates in the synthesis of the critical hormones that are involved in sex and fertility namely - androgen, estrogen and progesterone. Recent studies revealed that ascorbic vitamin C might improve production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important in the erection for males and heightened sexual sensitivity in the genitals for women.

Vitamin E – Often referred to as the sex vitamin, vitamin E is a powerful anti-aging antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free-radical damage. It is required for the synthesis of hormones and hormone like substances known as prostaglandins. Vitamin E plays a key role in production of sex hormones and protects it from oxidation and degradation.

Taking these dietary supplements are especially important to improve and boost a flagging libido linked with stress, ill health, fatigue, mental exhaustion, smoking and even excessive alcohol intake. But we must stress finally that you need to live a healthy lifestyle that means no heavy drinking smoking or recreational drugs. These are all known sex drive killers. If you are in good health and take the above supplements you should see an increase in both sexual desire and performance.