High-Dose Ascorbic Acid Increases FSI and Improves Mood

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin, which is necessary in the body to form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels and aids in the absorption of iron. Dietary sources of vitamin C include fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits such as oranges.

Many uses for vitamin C have been proposed, but few have been found to be beneficial in scientific studies.

Now a study(1) at the Center for and the Psychosomatic and Psychobiological Research, University of Trier, Germany found a positive relationship between Vitamin C intake and FSI(2).

In this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled 14 day trial of sustained-release Vitamin C (42 healthy young adults; 3000 mg/day and placebo (39 healthy young adults), subjects with partners recorded FSI, noncoital partner sex, and masturbation in daily diaries, and also completed the Beck Depression Inventory before and after the trial.

Ascorbic acid (AA) modulates the activity of catecholamines, the sympathomimetic "fight-or-flight" hormones that are released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It is suggested that the increase in FSI is due to disinhibition, rather than peripheral mechanism.

1. Brody S. High-dose ascorbic acid increases intercourse frequency and improves mood: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Biol Psychiatry. 2002 Aug 15;52(4):371-4.

2. FSI is defined as the frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse.