Vitamin D And Testosterone

Testicles are responsible for the production of testosterone, the male sex hormone, and it is no surprise that penile erection and sexual drive is dependent on it. Recent studies have proved an evident link between vitamin D and testosterone. These studies are as following:

• Back in 2008 a study conducted at University Hospital Zurich showed a strong relationship between the risk of falling vitamin D serum levels and DHEA-Serum concentration. Based on the findings, the study proposed that supplementing vitamin D + calcium in recommended doses can significantly boost the testosterone levels in both men and women.
• In 2010, an Austrian university called Medical University of Graz conducted a study the results of which also emphasized on the direct correlation between this vitamin and testosterone.
• In 2011, a one-year study conducted on 164 subjects at Graz statistically proved that subjects with supplemental vitamin D intake exhibited elevated testosterone levels in contrast to the placebo group.

Al these studies proved that vitamin D boosts the levels of testosterone and increased levels of testosterone have a positive impact on male sexual health.

But How Does Vitamin D Increase The Testosterone Levels?

This Vitamin works by naturally inhibiting an enzyme called aromatase which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. Vitamin D analogs in reduced doses can also suppress the function of aromatase.

A recent study conducted on rats revealed that vitamin D suppresses the aromatase expression thereby causing a pronounced reduction in the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. Another study conducted in Copenhagen at Danish Cancer Society Research Center further supported this theory.

Vitamin D And Fertility

Fertility experts and anthropologists have repeatedly revealed how difficult it can be to conceive for people living in the northern countries particularly during winter season.  Sunlight exposure is not only important for general health but also for sexual health.

In 2008, an Australian study established a correlation between infertility and vitamin D sufficiency in both the genders. The study also found that men who increased their intake of this vitamin were more likely to embrace good fertility results.

Another study found that this vitamin is very essential for the health of tissues within the sperm cells. Vitamin D deprivation leads to poor development of the nucleus. As a result, the sperm quality and count goes down. However, studies suggest that increased intake of this vitamin can elevate the sperm count and enhance the sperm quality.

Writer of Natural fertility, Iva Keene, the fertility expert, suggested that supplements of this vitamin can totally replace the IVF and other reproductive technologies. She believes that vitamin D directly addresses to semen quality and can assist in natural fertilization.

Another health expert, Dr. Mercola also emphasized on the significance of this vitamin and said that it can do wonders for both men and women when it comes to sexual.

For male sexual health, it is essential to keep the estrogen levels down and vitamin D does exactly that. The resultant elevation in testosterone levels enhances the production of semen and the testicles remain big and healthy. Testicles in healthy state deliver their best by increasing sexual drive and making erection stronger.

In relation to the above researches it is recommended to take a daily dose of 3,333 IUs of this vitamin. Exposure to sun on the regular basis must also be the top most priority in order to stay healthy and active.

References

• Pilz, S., Frisch, S., Koertke, H., Kuhn, J., Dreier, J., Obermayer-Pietsch, B., ... & Zittermann, A. (2011). Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Hormone and Metabolic Research, 43(03), 223-225.
• Pludowski, P., Holick, M. F., Pilz, S., Wagner, C. L., Hollis, B. W., Grant, W. B., ... & Soni, M. (2013). Vitamin D effects on musculoskeletal health, immunity, autoimmunity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, fertility, pregnancy, dementia and mortality—a review of recent evidence. Autoimmunity reviews, 12(10), 976-989.