A total of eighty-three healthy males aged 18-35 with erectile function were included in this FERTINUTS study sub-analysis. Forty-three participants were allocated into the “nut group” and consumed the usual Western-style diet supplemented with 60 g/day of raw mixed nuts (30 g of walnuts, 15 g of almonds, and 15 g of hazelnuts); and forty participants were allocated to the “control group” and followed the usual Western-style diet but avoiding nut consumption during the 14-week follow-up. At the beginning and the end of the intervention, levels of nitric oxide and E-selectin (two biomarkers of erectile endothelial function) were measured. Participants also completed the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire which evaluated the influence of nuts on erectile function through 15 questions. The questionnaire addressed the relevant domains of male sexual function: erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction.
The results of the questionnaire observed a significant increase in some of the erectile function parameters in the nut-supplemented group. So, the study concluded that a Western-style diet supplemented with mixed nuts may help to improve erectile function.
The results of the questionnaire observed a significant increase in some of the erectile function parameters in the nut-supplemented group. So, the study concluded that a Western-style diet supplemented with mixed nuts may help to improve erectile function.