Does Vitamin D Help with Erectile Dysfunction?

For years, vitamin D has been known to promote calcium absorption and help with bone growth, healing, and overall bone health. However, a new study suggests that the supplement may be able to help men improve their erectile dysfunction and restore their bedroom glory without putting a hole in their pockets. Until now, the go-to solution has been drugs like Levitra, Cialis, and Viagra, but it appears that all is now about to change.

Is vitamin D really the next Viagra? Let’s find out.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, commonly called ED for short, is a health condition characterized by a man’s inability to achieve and sustain an erection long enough for penetrative sex. It is more common than most people think. According to one study, more than half the total number of men in the world experience some form of ED, and the severity increases from 5% to 15% with age [1]. Although it is more common among men in their 40s, younger people are also at risk of suffering from the disorder.

Erections and flaccidity are brought about by the inflow and outflow of blood from the penis, respectively. This is why physical health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes can cause ED. However, mental issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety can be the cause as they affect sexual feelings. In cases like this, talk therapy can help [2][3].

Does Vitamin D Cure ED in Men?

Several studies suggest that vitamin D may be able to help with ED in men, but nothing is set in stone yet. While no specific study has proven that consuming more vitamin D can cure erectile function directly, a couple of them have shown a relationship between a deficiency of the vitamin and the disorder.

One such study showed that vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in individuals who had hypogonadism. It also showed that the level of vitamin D increased after the condition was treated. Hypogonadism is a health condition associated with the reduced secretion of sexual hormones [2]. Based on this finding, some researchers theorize that if improving the secretion of sexual hormones (treating hypogonadism) results in higher levels of vitamin D, then the reverse should be the case.

Another study involving young males revealed that most of those who had a vitamin D deficiency also had low erectile function [4].

Based on the above studies and others not mentioned in this article, it is believed that vitamin D may be able to improve ED in men. However, more studies need to be conducted as there have been no cases of cured patients.

The Best Dosage of Vitamin D to Help with Erectile Dysfunction

Many people ask how many mg of vitamin D they need to help them with erectile dysfunction. Well, the best dosage is the amount needed to maintain optimal blood levels.

Experts recommend a daily intake of 10-20 micrograms (0.01 mg to 0.02 mg) or 400 to 800 IU per day. However, results from some studies indicate that the body requires a higher dose of 25-100 micrograms (0.025 mg to 0.1 mg) or 1,000 to 4,000 IU daily [5].

IU stands for International Unit. It is a unit employed to measure the biological effects of enzymes, hormones, drugs, and vitamins. Researchers are able to determine required dosages because they know what to expect (in terms of biological effects) from 1 IU of every substance [6].

But where can you get vitamin D?

Well, the sources are food and sunlight. However, sunlight is the major source of the vitamin. Some vitamin D food sources include:

• egg yolk;
• oily fish;
• beef liver;
• fortified milk;
• mushrooms;
• fortified foods (e.g., breakfast cereals).

Humans need exposure to sunlight in order to obtain vitamin D. The skin manufactures it each time the sun rays fall on it. However, before you go basking in the sun, UV damage is something to worry about. You can prevent it by rubbing a good SPF before stepping out every day [7].

Note that for some people, eating the right foods and bathing in the sun might not be enough to provide the optimal level of vitamin D. Such individuals may need to take vitamin D supplements to augment the levels.

Conclusion

So, does vitamin D help with erectile dysfunction? Well, no one is certain yet. However, with the sheer number of studies suggesting the link between the levels of vitamin D in the blood and erectile dysfunction, it is hard to dispute that the supplement plays an important role in erectile function. There is also no information about how long it could take for the effects to be noticeable.

Although there is yet to be a conclusive study, meeting the daily vitamin D body requirements may be a great idea. If it doesn’t help with ED, it would surely help with bone health, bone healing, and overall bone health. However, do well to stick to the daily recommended dose of 10-20 micrograms if you decide to take it. Do not exceed how much you need to take.

References:

1. Is Erectile Dysfunction Common? Stats, Causes, and Treatment. Written by Daniel Yetman. Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.D. Retrieved: August 4, 2022. Healthline.com.
2. Natural remedies and supplements for erectile dysfunction. Written by Alex Bell. Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD. Retrieved: August 4, 2022. Medicalnewstoday.com.
3. Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Written by The Healthline Editorial Team. Medically reviewed by Matt Coward, MD, FACS. Retrieved: August 4, 2022. Healthline.com.
4. The effect of low vitamin D status on sexual functioning and depressive symptoms in apparently healthy men: a pilot study. Robert Krysiak, Anna Szwajkosz, and Bogusław Okopień. Retrieved: August 4, 2022. Nature.com.
5. How Much Vitamin D Should You Take For Optimal Health? Written by Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN (Ice). Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, Ph.D., RD, PMP, MBA, CSCS. Retrieved: August 4, 2022. Healthline.com.
6. Definition of IU – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Retrieved: August 4, 2022. Cancer.gov.
7. Sun Protection and Vitamin D. By Anne Marie McNeill, Md, PhD, and Erin Wesner. Retrieved: August 4, 2022.Skincancer.org.