Supplements are often marketed as the answer to all your romantic woes, promising to spice up your love life with ease. But are these claims too good to be true? While some supplements may offer potential benefits, others might be no more than "snake oil schemes" — flashy marketing without the science to back it up. Let’s explore the facts, risks, and a few modern supplements that may support both sexual health and overall wellness.

The Role of the Brain and Body in Sexual Health

Before diving into the supplement aisle, it’s essential to remember that your most important sex organ isn’t found in any bottle—it’s your brain. In men, the brain controls blood flow to the penis, as well as orgasm and ejaculation. For women, arousal and satisfaction are also deeply connected to mental and emotional states. A strong placebo effect in clinical trials for medications like sildenafil (Viagra) highlights how much of sexual health is influenced by mindset.

But sexual health isn’t just about the brain. Long-term health plays a vital role, too. Conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes can significantly impact sexual performance and libido by affecting blood flow, hormone levels, and energy. Addressing these root causes through lifestyle changes and targeted supplements can improve not just your love life but your overall well-being.

Supplements: A Mixed Bag

Many supplements promising to boost libido or sexual endurance lack rigorous scientific backing. A 2015 review published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found little to no evidence supporting the claims made by top-selling supplements for men’s sexual health. What’s more, the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements as strictly as pharmaceuticals, so some products may contain hidden pharmaceutical drugs or impurities, potentially causing harmful side effects.

However, not all supplements are created equal. Here are a few that show promise:

• NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide): NMN supports cellular energy production by boosting NAD+ levels, which decline with age. This can improve energy, stamina, and vascular health, indirectly benefiting sexual performance and overall vitality.

• Sirt-6 Activators: Sirt-6 is a longevity-related protein that plays a role in DNA repair and inflammation control. Supporting Sirt-6 activity may improve circulation and hormonal balance, which are crucial for sexual health.

• PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)*: Known for its role in mitochondrial health, PQQ enhances cellular energy and reduces oxidative stress. This can support endurance, energy levels, and overall health, indirectly improving sexual function.

• Collagen: While often associated with skin health, collagen is also vital for connective tissues, including blood vessels. Strong, elastic blood vessels ensure good circulation, which is key to sexual performance. Collagen also supports joint health and overall mobility, making it a great choice for long-term vitality. We recommend Hydrolysed Collagen from DoNotAge* as products are extensively tested

Natural Lifestyle Boosters

Supplements alone won’t solve everything. Lifestyle changes can dramatically enhance sexual health and overall well-being:

• Weight Loss: Carrying excess weight can lower testosterone levels in men and contribute to sexual dysfunction. Losing weight helps restore hormonal balance and improves blood flow.

• Exercise: Regular physical activity boosts circulation, reduces stress, and enhances mood—all of which improve libido and performance. Building muscle strength through resistance training can also enhance sexual function, stamina, and overall physical functionality, supporting a healthier, more active lifestyle in the long term.

• Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats supports vascular and hormonal health. Antioxidants in foods like berries and green tea combat oxidative stress, benefiting sexual and long-term health. It's important to understand, you can't exercise your way out of a bad diet. Diet is where your biggest gains in health can come from, we are, after all, what we eat.

• Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, impairing circulation and sexual function. Quitting can have immediate and long-term benefits.

• Limit Alcohol: While a little wine can set the mood, excessive alcohol dampens sexual reflexes and performance.

When to Seek Help

If lifestyle changes and supplements don’t yield results, consult a healthcare provider. Sexual dysfunction can sometimes signal underlying conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or hormonal imbalances. For women, low-dose vaginal estrogen or lubricants can address dryness and discomfort, while men might benefit from medications to address erectile dysfunction. Both sexes may also benefit from psychosexual counselling if no physical cause can be found.

A Holistic Approach to Sexual Health

Taking care of your long-term health is one of the best ways to enhance your sex life. Supplements like NMN, Sirt-6, PQQ, and collagen can provide targeted support for energy, circulation, and cellular health, complementing a healthy lifestyle. By combining these strategies, you’ll not only boost your romantic vitality but also promote a longer, healthier life overall. Buyer beware—but choose wisely, and the benefits may surprise you.