Red Bull gives you more than wings, apparently.

April 29, 2009 10:55 AM

Why do B-complex vitamins and zinc enhance orgasm?

I've noticed this in myself as a chronic Red Bull drinker which is chock-full of niacin, B6 and B12. However, my Google-fu fails me as when I try to find information out this phenomenon, all I get is page after page of sites offering to sell me Orgasm Enhancement Products!!!!one1buyNAO. Most of these products also seem to include zinc.

So what's the physiological process here? Why do these vitamins (and possibly a mineral) have this effect on many people?

posted by WolfDaddy to health & fitness (11 comments total)

Niacin can cause skin-flushing, which may lead to skin sensitivity. This is a bug, not a feature, so don't think you can take more.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 11:01 AM on April 29

Increased blood flow and relaxation:

Niacin is known as a natural tranquilizer. In a study on rats, niacin had similar effects to valium on the turnover of serotonin, noradrenalin, dopamine, and GABA in the areas of the brain that are thought to be affected by anxiety—without being addictive. Some experts go so far as to call niacin "Nature's Valium." Niacin also helps decrease excess lactic acid levels and episodes of low blood sugar/hypoglycemia (from adrenal fatigue).

The textbook description of anxiety neurosis exactly matches the symptoms of vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency: hyperactivity, depression, fatigue, apprehension, headache, and insomnia. It has been shown in animals to work in the brain in ways similar to drugs such as benzodiazepines (Valium-type drugs) that are used to treat anxiety. One study found that niacinamide (not niacin) could help people get through withdrawal from benzodiazepines, which is a common problem. A reasonable amount of niacinamide to take for anxiety, according to some doctors, is up to 500mg four times per day.

Niacinamide locks onto the same receptor sites in the brain as do tranquilizers such as Valium, and is a natural tranquilizer. The manufacturer of valium is also the worlds largest manufacturer of niacinamide. [Nature 278: pp.563-5,1979]

Vitamins are good, good stuff.
posted by aquafortis at 11:17 AM on April 29 [1 favorite has favorites]

"High-dose nicotinamide [niacinamide] should still, however, be considered as a drug with toxic potential at adult doses in excess of 3 gm/day and unsupervised use should be discouraged. "

So aquafortis says 2gm/day to relax, but 3gm/day might kill your liver. Hmm.
posted by orthogonality at 11:27 AM on April 29

Damn. 50mg, not 500. Thanks for catching that.
posted by aquafortis at 11:48 AM on April 29

Niacin can cause skin-flushing, which can occur during orgasm; it can also promote a sense of relaxation, something I often feel after orgasm.

But that's not really what I'm asking after here, y'all! :-)

For example, the connection between elevated sexual desire/orgasm and marijuana is fairly well-reported (NSFW), but I'm having trouble finding info on these common and licit substances which are in our beverages, available as dietary supplements and apparently, a lot of spam-worthy products.
posted by WolfDaddy at 11:55 AM on April 29

So aquafortis says 2gm/day to relax, but 3gm/day might kill your liver.

He does appear to like the niacin.
posted by electroboy at 11:56 AM on April 29 [1 favorite has favorites]

I found this discussion that discusses the role of adrenaline and protein with regard to orgasm.

Looks like what may be the issue for you is that Red Bull ramps up your adrenaline, which delays orgasm, which in turn probably makes it much stronger.
posted by anniek at 1:51 PM on April 29

"She," for what it's worth. Sorry if I seem to be "preaching the good news", but it really has changed my life for the better. Not only has it improved my mood, I have more good cholesterol than bad, a great insulin response (and yes, my liver enzyme tests are normal).

Good blood flow, good health, and a good mood make for good orgasms, IMO. Google "niacin erectile dysfunction treatment", "zinc libido", "niacin vasodilator" etc. for more studies.
posted by aquafortis at 3:04 PM on April 29

As an interesting data point in your search: oysters have long been considered an aphrodisiac, long before it was known they have one of the highest concentrations of zinc in any food.
posted by JFitzpatrick at 4:48 PM on April 29

It's the caffiene in red bull, probably. Caffiene, especially in such large proportions, helps to fire dopamine in the brain (along with adrenaline). More of that will make all sorts of things feel better than usual, including orgasm.
posted by Risiko at 2:52 AM on April 30

Do not underestimate the ability off caffeine to enhance sex!
posted by Goofyy at 11:51 PM on May 4