Low sex drive? Vitamin B12 may boost libido

If you don’t have a desire or willingness to have sex, it is probably due to low sex drive or libido. It may be connected to fluctuations in hormones that play a key role in regulating sexual desire. Emotional well-being, stress levels, and mental health conditions like depression or anxiety can impact libido as well. Vitamin B12 deficiency may also be the reason behind low sex drive. Lacking this vitamin in your body can lead to fatigue and weakness, and mood changes that can all affect your libido. Since vitamin B12 can improve your sex drive, make sure to include it in your diet.

What are the causes of low sex drive?

Several factors can lead to low sex drive in women, including:

1. Hormonal changes

Fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen and testosterone, can significantly impact libido. “Menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause often lead to hormonal shifts that may reduce sexual desire,” says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Kanupriya Jain.

2. Stress and anxiety

Emotional stress from work, relationships, or other pressures in life can diminish interest in any kind of sexual activity. Anxiety can also affect overall well-being, making it harder to feel relaxed and in the mood.

3. Fatigue

Physical exhaustion or poor quality of sleep can reduce your energy levels and motivation for any sexual activity. “This is especially common in women balancing multiple responsibilities,” says the expert.

4. Medications

Some medications, particularly antidepressants, can have side effects that lower sex drive. One of the common side effects of antidepressants is sexual dysfunction, as per research published in Dovepress in 2010.

5. Relationship issues

A lack of emotional connection, unresolved conflicts, or poor communication with a partner can lead to decreased sexual desire. “Trust and intimacy are essential for maintaining sex drive,” says the expert.

6. Body image and self-esteem

Negative feelings about your own body can impact confidence and reduce the desire for sexual intimacy. “Feeling comfortable and confident in your own body can improve sexual desire,” says Dr Jain.

How can vitamin B12 increase sex drive?

Correcting vitamin B12 deficiency may improve sexual function by improving sex drive, mood, and energy, as per research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2015. Here’s how it can enhance sex drive:

1. Energy boost

Vitamin B12 is important for production of energy in the body. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, which may diminish interest in sexual activity. “By ensuring adequate levels of vitamin B12, you may feel more energetic and ready for intimacy,” says the expert.

2. Improved mood

Vitamin B12 supports the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters crucial for mood regulation. A better mood can enhance libido and sexual desire, making you more inclined to engage in sexual activity.

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3. Enhanced blood circulation

Vitamin B12 is important for maintaining healthy red blood cells, which are necessary for proper circulation. “If your blood flow is smooth, it can enhance sexual arousal and performance,” says the expert.

4. Hormonal balance

Adequate vitamin B12 levels contribute to hormonal balance, which can influence sexual desire. Hormones like testosterone and estrogen play significant roles in libido, and maintaining overall health can support their proper function.

5. Stress reduction

By improving mood and energy levels, vitamin B12 can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are some of the factors that often inhibit sexual desire. A more relaxed state can foster a greater interest in intimacy.

6. Support for overall health

Women with low B12 levels may experience digestive problems, including nausea, and diarrhea. It may also cause neurological issues such as numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation. But if you increase vitamin B12 level, it will improve your overall health. And a fit body generally promotes a healthy sex drive. By preventing fatigue, mood disorders, and other health issues associated with B12 deficiency, people may find their sexual desire improves.

How to increase vitamin B12 level?

Recommended Dietary Allowances for Vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, according to the UK’s National Institutes Of Health. Here are some ways to increase vitamin B12 levels:

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1. Dietary sources

This vitamin is mostly found in animal-based foods such as beef, pork, eggs, and chicken. You can also have salmon, trout, and tuna or go for dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. There are also fortified cereals, and plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.

2. Supplements

Vitamin B12 supplements are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and sublingual (dissolved under the tongue) options. “But check with a doctor for appropriate dosages,” suggests the expert.

Are there any side effects of using vitamin B12 for sex drive?

Excessive intake of vitamin B12 through supplements may lead to:

• Diarrhea: It may be mild, but some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Allergic reactions: Rarely, some people may have an allergic reaction to B12 supplements.
• Interactions with medications: High doses may interact with certain medications, such as metformin that is used to manage diabetes.

Vitamin B12 may help to boost sex drive. But before starting any vitamin B12 supplements, make sure to check with your doctor.