Vitamin D Deficiency May Lead To Erectile Dysfunction, Male Impotence

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED), male impotence, according to a recent study. To get their results, researchers analyzed data from more than 3,400 American men over the age of 20. Thirty percent of men were found to have low vitamin D - less than 20 nanograms per millimeter of blood. Sixteen percent of them had erectile dysfunction.

Vitamin D deficiency was present in 35 percent of men with erectile dysfunction, compared with 29 percent without. The principal investigator, Dr. Erin Michos, "Vitamin D deficiency is easily screened and can be easily corrected with lifestyle changes including fitness, dietary changes, vitamin supplementation and moderate exposure to sunlight."

The researchers suggest that men with low vitamin D levels have a 32 percent higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction compared to men without the deficiency. Even when other risk factors for erectile dysfunction were taken into account, the association still existed.

While the results are observational and do not prove cause and effect, further research is needed to better understand the association and determine the exact link. Dr. said. Michos, “Checking vitamin D levels can be a useful tool for measuring ED risk. Then the most relevant clinical question is whether correcting the deficiency may reduce risk and help restore erectile function. "

It is estimated that 40 percent of men over 40 and 70 percent of those over 70 have erectile dysfunction. Forty percent of Americans are also deficient in vitamin D, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Erectile dysfunction, other physical and psychological causes

Apart from the observational association between low vitamin D and erectile dysfunction, there are other causes - both physical and psychological - that may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man is unable to maintain or maintain erection. Causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Heart disease
• Blood clogged blood
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Murtall
• Metabolic syndrome
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Scar tissue inside the penis
• Certain prescription medications
• Tobacco use
• Alcoholism and substance abuse
• Sleep disorders
• Treatment for prostate or enlarged prostate cancer
• Surgeries in the pelvic region
• Depression, anxiety or other mental disorders
• Stress
• Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other worries

Lifestyle changes and natural treatments for ED

The common form of treatment for erectile dysfunction can present many unwanted side effects, including:

• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Sick belly
• Vision changes
• Flushing facial
• Dizziness

For these reasons, it is a good idea to use lifestyle changes in order to treat erectile dysfunction. Many lifestyle changes can help improve erectile dysfunction, including:

• Exercise
• Lose weight
• No smoking or smoking cessation
• Reduce alcohol intake

Recommended dietary intake of vitamin D

Below is the recommended dietary intake of vitamin D, as recommended by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Age	Male	Women	Pregnancy	Lactation
0–12 months *	400 IU (10 mcg)	400 IU (10 mcg)
1–13 years	600 IU (15 mcg)	600 IU (15 mcg)
14-18 years	600 IU (15 mcg)	600 IU (15 mcg)	600 IU (15 mcg)	600 IU (15 mcg)
19–50 years	600 IU (15 mcg)	600 IU (15 mcg)	600 IU (15 mcg)	600 IU (15 mcg)
51-70 years	600 IU (15 mcg)	600 IU (15 mcg)
> 70 years	800 IU (20 mcg)	800 IU (20 mcg)

* Adequate intake (AI)

Causes of vitamin D deficiency in men

Vitamin D is called the “sunlight vitamin” because we get it from the sun; therefore, if you live in a place where the amount of sun is reduced or you do not get out often to enjoy the sun, your vitamin D intake may be limited. Other causes of vitamin D deficiency in men include:

• Having Dark Skin - Dark skin works as a skin protector and does not take the necessary rays to convert to vitamin D.
• Being overweight
• Malabsorption syndrome
• Aging - as we age our ability to absorb vitamin D decreases
• Medications and medical conditions - kidney disease, antifungal medications, hyperthyroidism