Lack of the 'sunshine vitamin' can lead to impotence for men

Impotence or erectile dysfunction is the inability to obtain and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.

Having periodic erectile malfunctioning is not necessarily a cause for concern. If one has erectile dysfunction on a regular basis, however, this may be stressful, affecting one’s self-confidence, and contributing to relationship problems. What is more, problems obtaining or maintaining an erection may also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment, and a risk factor for heart disease.

The best approach to erectile dysfunction is a visit to the doctor, no matter how mortified one may feel. Treating an underlying condition can actually reverse erectile dysfunction. Sometimes, however, medication or other direct treatment may be prescribed.

A recent study by the Johns Hopkins University, as well as research conducted in Italy, has presented an interesting link between erectile dysfunction and low levels of vitamin D. This study used data from more than 3 400 American men in the age group 20 years old and older, revealed that 35% of subjects had low levels of vitamin D. This means that their vitamin D levels were below 20 nanograms per milliliter of blood. In addition, the study found that 16% of the subjects had erectile difficulty. The researchers concluded that men with a vitamin D deficiency were 32 % more likely to be impotent than those with sufficient vitamin D levels. This association held even after the study authors accounted for other factors associated with erectile dysfunction, such as drinking, smoking, diabetes, higher blood pressure, inflammation, and certain medications. The researchers emphasized that their findings are observational and do not prove cause and effect. They asserted that more research is needed to determine whether there is a direct link between low vitamin D levels and erectile dysfunction. If this is the case, the researchers believe that this could lead to new treatment approaches.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin obtained from the sun and from certain foods. It promotes calcium absorption in the gut, calcium being needed by bones for growth and remodeling. Vitamin D also contains sufficient serum calcium and phosphate concentration to normalize bone mineralization. Aside from ensuring that bones are healthy, vitamin D helps reduce inflammation, modulating cell growth, and guaranteeing proper immune functioning.

Vitamin D deficiency is easy to screen for. It is simple to correct with lifestyle changes that include exercise, dietary changes, vitamin supplementation, and modest sunlight exposure.

According to research, a vitamin D deficiency could affect the health of endothelial cells. Endothelial cells line the inside of blood vessels and form a one-cell-thick layer called the endothelium, which helps to form strong walls inside the blood vessels. When endothelial cells are not well maintained, this could lead to erection problems.

Researchers have discovered that men with a vitamin D deficiency are at a greater risk of experiencing endothelial dysfunction. If this occurs, this could impede proper blood flow to the penis, and make it difficult to either achieve or sustain an erection. This also makes it easier for toxic substances and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, impairing the system, negatively affecting erections.

Studies show that gaining sufficient sunshine vitamin can significantly increase testosterone levels.

Furthermore, aside from sex drive, testosterone has a direct impact on mood. Various research studies have indicated that low testosterone may lead to depression, bad temper, and anxiety. Vitamin D does affect disposition. Aside from being needed for healthy bones, vitamin D activates parts of the brain in charge of releasing serotonin and dopamine. This helps one to feel better and minimizes the risk of depression, therefore the lack of these hormones is commonly linked to depression.

To boost the intake of vitamin D more time should be spent in the sun. However, it is advisable to eat fatty fish, salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Other food sources such as beef, egg yolk, and portobello mushrooms, are good for ensuring a daily intake of the active ingredients of vitamin D3.

As with all things, however, living a healthy lifestyle is what one should strive for. Correct eating habits, having meaning and interests in life, and keeping the mind active are all imperatives. Instead of merely running on the treadmill, an outdoor jog should be taken. That bit of sun can help towards acquiring strong bones.