This study evaluated whether consuming berries could prevent erectile dysfunction. The study found that eating berries and citrus fruits, which contain flavonoids, was associated with a reduced risk of erectile dysfunction. Specifically, the study of over 25,000 men found that higher intakes of berries rich in anthocyanins and citrus fruits containing flavanones were linked to an 11-16% lower risk of erectile dysfunction, particularly in men under 70 years old. The researchers concluded that a diet higher in flavonoid-rich fruits is associated with a lower incidence of erectile dysfunction.

1. Can consuming Berries
prevent Erectile Dysfunction?
News Author: Peter Russell
CME Author: Laurie Barclay, MD
Reported by: Krizia J. Diaz

2. What is Erectile
Dysfunction?
• Erectile
dysfunction
(ED) is the
inability to get
or keep an
erection firm
enough to have
sexual

3. Erectile dysfunction
affects an estimated
33% to 52% of
middle-aged men
worldwide, with
significant impact
on quality of life.

4. GOAL OF THE STUDY
• The goal of this
study was to
evaluate possible
associations
between diets
varying in
flavonoid
subclasses and ED

5. STUDY SYNOPSIS AND
PERSPECTIVE
• According to a new study by
the University of East
Anglia (UEA) and Harvard
University in the US, eating
berries and citrus fruit
which contains flavonoids
(anthocyanins, flavanones,
and flavones) may reduce
the risk of men developing
problems getting and

6. STUDY HIGHLIGHTS
• Type of study:
Observational study
• Sample: 25,096 men
enrolled in US health
study

7. METHODOLOGY
• Participants rated their
erectile function in 2000
and again in 2004 and
2008, and they completed
food frequency
questionnaires every 4
years for determination of
total and subclass
flavonoid intakes.

8. RESULTS
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
18000
35.6% (8,934) 64.6%(16,162)

9. REDUCED ERECTILE
DYSFUNCTION
FLAVONES = adjusted relative risk (0.91)
confidence interval (95%)
Ptrend (.006)
FLAVANONES= adusted relative risk (0.89)
confidence interval (95%)
Ptrend (.0009)
ANTHOCYANINS= adjusted relative risk (0.91)
confidence interval (95%)
Ptrend (.002)

10. Age- stratified analysis Food based analysis
11%-16% ED risk reduction
only in men younger than 70
years old but not in older men.
14% reduction in ED risk

11. CONCLUSION
• The greatest benefits were from berries which are
rich in anthocyanins, and citrus flavanones were
second most effective.
• Investigators concluded that higher habitual intake
of fruit rich in flavonoids is associated with lower
ED incidence
• Dietary intake of fruits and vegetables should be
encouraged for other health benefits on
cardiovascular function and improvements in
cerebral blood flow enhancing cognitive function.