Nutritionist Explains How Iron Deficiency Affects Men’s Sexual Performance
A health expert, Prof. Matilda Steiner-Asiedu, has revealed that an iron micronutrient deficiency can make a man weak and affect his sexual performance, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.
The Consultant Nutritionist, who works at the Department of Nutrition and Good Science, University of Ghana, spoke on Tuesday, during an online training programme tagged: “Advancing Nutrition, Health and Wellness through the Media”.
She noted that men that have iron deficiency usually have weak erection. The programme was organised by Nestlé Nigeria Plc, in collaboration with the Lagos Business School, Sustainability Centre.
According to her, when a man became anaemic due to iron deficiency, the energy needed for erection and thrusting during sex would be impeded. Steiner-Asiedu added:
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“Anaemia is a condition in which one does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues.
“These red blood cells contain a protein called haemoglobin. This protein takes the oxygen that comes in through the lungs and transports it around the body so that organs that require oxygen can get the oxygen they need to function properly.
“One of those organs is the penis. So, having a properly-oxygenated penis is crucial for optimal sex performance because sex is energy-intensive.
“A successful erection depends upon a rapid influx of oxygen-rich blood, the lack of sufficient oxygen can make the man weak to perform well during sex.”
The expert also urged men to refrain from consuming too much alcohol saying that it could affect the ability to produce sperm. Steiner-Asiedu said that good nutrition was essential to boost virility in men.
In addition, she said that foods such as grains, cereals, legumes, green leafy vegetables, egg, poultry, nuts, liver, fish, meat and fruits were rich sources of iron nutrients. She further stated:
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“Our local food sources are rich sources of iron, zinc and pro-Vitamin A. When this nutrient is sufficient in the body, it will boost sperm count and help men to maintain an active sexual life.”