Dubbed “the sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D is one of the most essential micronutrients in the human diet. It’s crucial for healthy bones, helps regulate diabetes, and can improve lung function. On the other hand, vitamin D deficiency presents itself with some potentially serious symptoms like muscle weakness, painful bones, and memory loss. However, it seems that another symptom can be added to this list – erectile dysfunction.
So, is there a connection between vitamin D and erectile dysfunction?
Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease
One of the reasons why vitamin D and erectile dysfunction are connected is cardiovascular disease. As the penis is a highly vascularized organ, blood flow plays an important role in healthy erections. In fact, ED has often been used as a marker of cardiovascular disease.
Research shows that vitamin D is very important for our cardiovascular health. A study by the University of Kansas Medical Center and Hospital found that vitamin D deficiency was significantly correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and lower survival rates.
Vitamin D and Erectile Dysfunction
More than that, several studies found that vitamin D was connected with ED, independently of cardiovascular disease.
For example, a study published in the Atherosclerosis Journal showed that, out of 3390 men with erectile problems, the men with vitamin D deficiency showed a significantly higher prevalence of ED. Another study found that vitamin D supplementation could be a viable treatment for ED, given the growing body of research and its low cost.
Final Word
The link between vitamin D and erectile dysfunction seems well-established. If you want to try alternative treatments for your condition, including more vitamin D in your diet or investing in over the counter vitamin D supplements might be a good idea. However, remember to consult your doctor before making this decision.
