Scientists from Peking University published a study published in a journal Archives of Medical Science (Vol. 21, No. 3, published online on June 30, 2025) on causal relationship between carotene levels and erectile dysfunction (ED).
The news story seems to be scientific, but as soon as it made its way into the Russian media and Telegram channels, it took on a new life along the lines of “carrots kill male libido.” It’s a perfect example of how a headline can be more sensational than the facts.
What are the media reporting?
Here is the gist of it:
— Carotenoids—substances found in carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, mangoes, and other orange delights—are to blame for impotence.
— Men who reportedly “consumed more carotenoids” were 60% more likely to experience ED.
— Mechanism: Carotenoids damage the vascular endothelium, interfere with nitric oxide production, and the erection “doesn’t get going.”
It sounds dramatic: you take one too many carrots—and that's it, goodbye romance.
What does the study actually say?
If you read the article itself rather than the press releases, the picture is more modest and—alas for the headlines—more complicated.
- The Mendelian randomization (MR) method was used—an analysis of genetic markers that allows for the assessment of potential causal relationships.
- Conclusion: Genetically predicted high carotene levels are indeed associated with an increased risk of ED.
- Figures: odds ratio (OR) = 1.58 (95% CI: 1.20–2.09, p = 0,00121).
- For reference: Vitamin D has also been linked to ED, but the association is much weaker.
And most importantly: it wasn't about how many carrots you munch on in the evening before bed, but about a genetic predisposition to higher levels of carotene in the body.
What's myth and what's fact?
Myth: "Carrots kill your libido."
The truth is: High genetic levels of carotene are associated with an increased risk of ED.
Note: So far, no one has proven that a couple of extra slices of pumpkin in your soup will ruin your sex life.
Scientists write carefully about genetic markers and probable biochemical mechanisms. Journalists, on the other hand, see this as an opportunity to declare carrots a secret weapon against male virility.
So if you see a news story in your feed about a “deadly threat from carrots,” just go ahead and finish your salad. Science, as usual, is much more boring (and honest) than clickbait, and what is the actual effect of dietary intake?
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