While carrots have long been hailed by scientists as vegetable royalty thanks to their rich vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content, some researchers now think there could be a link between carotene – which the superfood is rich in – and erectile dysfunction.
What Did the Study Find?
Using existing large-scale genetic data, the study looked at whether men with genetic variants linked to higher levels of specific vitamins and antioxidants were more or less likely to develop erectile dysfunction.
One such compound they studied was carotene – the pigment which gives carrots their distinct orange colour. Aside from colour, carotenes – the plant form of Vitamin A – act as antioxidants. They protect cells from damage and support vision, immunity, and even cognitive function. All the good stuff, right? Well, not all of it, according to the researchers’ findings.
Based on their data, the researchers actually found that higher levels of carotene were associated with a significantly higher risk of erectile dysfunction.
What Does This Mean For Us?
Before you clear your veggie drawer of carrots and butternut, it’s important to flag a few nuances. According to the researchers’ findings, men with genetically higher carotene levels had almost 60% higher odds of experiencing erectile dysfunction.
READ MORE: What You Need to Know About Erectile Dysfunction, According to a Urologist
In other words, because the study relied on genetic data rather than dietary data, it can’t directly prove a link between eating more carotene-rich foods (like carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach — staples in many South African diets) and erectile dysfunction just yet.
Why Has Increased Carotene Been Linked to Erectile Dysfunction?
The researchers are also unsure why this is the case in the first place. They suggest that some previous studies have reported that carotene can interfere with the balance of other antioxidant systems. This can happen in certain circumstances and potentially lead to endothelial dysfunction.
Endothelial dysfunction can reduce nitric oxide bioavailability (how much nitric oxide can be absorbed into the bloodstream). This is needed to kickstart blood flow to the penis to trigger an erection.
The Bottom Line
The researchers stress that there are multiple, complex mechanisms that can affect erectile dysfunction risk. More research is required to understand how nutrition plays a role. They also highlight the need for studies to include more diverse populations. This is particularly important for us here in South Africa, given the different diets and health profiles across communities.
And while this particular study uncovered a potential link rather than a direct cause, it reinforces the need for men to pay attention to diet, age, stress, lifestyle choices, and other health issues such as high blood pressure – all factors that can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About Erectile Dysfunction
When around half of men are likely to experience some form of erectile dysfunction in their lifetime, and many won’t feel comfortable seeking help, it’s a conversation worth having here at home too.
For now, there are still more benefits associated with carrots than risks. However, as with most foods, balance remains the real secret.
This article by Hannah Bradfield was published on Men’s Health UK – additional reporting and products added by the Men’s Health SA team.
