Abstract
Background: Ascorbic acid (AA) modulates catecholaminergic activity, decreases stress
reactivity, approach anxiety and prolactin release, improves vascular function, and
increases oxytocin release. These processes are relevant to sexual behavior and mood.
Methods: In this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled 14 day trial of sustained-release
AA (42 healthy young adults; 3000 mg/day Cetebe) and placebo (39 healthy young adults),
subjects with partners recorded penile-vaginal intercourse (FSI), noncoital partner
sex, and masturbation in daily diaries, and also completed the Beck Depression Inventory
before and after the trial.
Results: The AA group reported greater FSI (but, as hypothesized, not other sexual
behavior) frequency, an effect most prominent in subjects not cohabiting with their
sexual partner, and in women. The AA but not placebo group also experienced a decrease
in Beck Depression scores.
Conclusions: AA appears to increase FSI, and the differential benefit to noncohabitants
suggests that a central activation or disinhibition, rather than peripheral mechanism
may be responsible.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
January 7,
2002
Received in revised form:
January 4,
2002
Received:
November 2,
2001
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
