Association between homocysteine, Vitamin B 12, folic acid and erectile dysfunction: A cross-sectional study in China

Abstract

Objectives Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 53.4% of men aged 30-80 years. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between homocysteine (HCY), vitamin B 12 (B12), folic acid (FA) and ED. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Guangxi, China. Participants A total of 1381 participants who completed questionnaires were included, between September 2009 and December 2009. Measures ED was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function scores. Also, the values of HCY, B12 and FA were acquired. Then, regression and between-group analyses were performed. Results No association between FA and ED was found. Significant correlations between HCY and ED were found - the relationships between these two parameters were most notable in men aged over 60 years and in men living alone (bachelors or bachelorhood). B12 levels were higher in men with ED (718.53±234.37 pg/mL vs 688.74±229.68, p=0.015). Using multinomial logistic regression analyses, B12 levels were related to mild ED (multivariate adjusted analysis: OR 1.620, 95% CI 1.141 to 2.300, p=0.007), especially among men aged 40-49 years (OR 2.907, 95% CI 1.402 to 6.026, p=0.004). Conclusions We report, for the first time, a relationship between B12 levels and ED. We also found specific cohorts of men for whom the relationship between HCY levels and ED is most prominent. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these relationships - these may ultimately result in new therapies for ED.