Does Vitamin D Deficiency Contribute To Erectile Dysfunction
A multifactorial disorder like erectile dysfunction (ED) can happen due to vascular dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, neurogenic, or psychogenic factors. Some nutrients have vital role in sexual health. They are required for optimal sexual functioning.
According to some studies, Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is needed by the body in small amounts for overall health and sexual response. It has a crucial role in the erection function. A deficiency of this nutrient might contribute to sexual problems like erectile dysfunction.
About Vitamin D
Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is an important nutrient, which offers a range of health benefits. It must be present in the body in sufficient amounts. It is essential for carrying out various functions in the body, including the growth and development of bone tissues.
It facilitates calcium absorption in the body, which is crucial for bone health. This vitamin conducts the function of healthy mineralization of bones. Individuals with vitamin D deficiency are prone to the risk of developing rickets, and low bone density.
Its deficiency also potentiates the risk of osteoporosis, which leads to the weakening of the bones and the possibility of easy fractures.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
A common sexual difficulty like erectile dysfunction (ED) is a result of restricted blood supply to the penile. The blood flow does not happen inside the penile blood vessels. This happens because of the constriction in the penile blood vessels.
The blood vessels become narrow and hence the blood flow inside them gets affected. Consequently, the muscles and tissues in the penile do not receive adequate blood supply and hence men struggle to attain or maintain firmer erections.
Erectile dysfunction can be attributed to vascular disorders, neurological or psychological concerns, physiological health conditions, smoking, injuries, alcohol, tobacco, medical side effects, and so on. Erection difficulties can be effectively overcome with ED medicines like Cenforce 100.
Does Vitamin D treat erectile dysfunction?
Vitamin D may not directly influence the erection function and alleviate the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED). Although it is a vital component that is required for a healthy erection function, it does not directly treat or cure the erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Erectile dysfunction does not happen on its own. It is a sign or an indication of some other problem. If physiological health conditions are considered, chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cardiovascular disorder, high blood pressure (hypertension), and atherosclerosis are the conditions that contribute to erection difficulties.
These chronic illnesses deteriorate vascular health and function. With time, the blood vessels lose their elasticity and become narrow and hard. This prevents the blood flow through them. As a result, the organs are deprived of adequate blood flow. When this happens in the pelvic area, the person develops ED symptoms.
Vitamin D offers a myriad of health benefits. It might alleviate the symptoms and help manage these chronic health conditions. By lessening the symptoms of these conditions, Vitamin D indirectly impacts the erection function.
How does Vitamin D improve the erection function?
Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to oxidative stress. Adequate levels of this vitamin will prevent the damage caused due to oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress triggers imbalances of antioxidants and free radical molecules. Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable molecules that attack the cells and cause tissue damage.
Free radical damage can contribute to many chronic health conditions. It can majorly impact the health and functioning of the vascular system. Since the health of the erection function depends on the vascular functioning, any damage to the latter can lead to the development of erectile dysfunction.
Vitamin D is also needed for producing testosterone hormone in the body. Testosterone release helps enhance the sexual function in males. It regulates the sexual function. It improves the erection function, increases the sex drive (libido), increases sexual desire, and boosts fertility.
Sources of Vitamin D
Adequate levels of this vitamin in the body reduce oxidative stress. This enhances the vascular health and helps maintain blood pressure in the normal range. Besides, vitamin D boosts the production of nitric oxide.
Sunlight is the most prominent source of this vitamin. The body naturally produces this vitamin when exposed to sunlight. Soaking up in the sun for a few minutes daily will stimulate vitamin D release.
Several foods can also offer vitamin D to the body. They include:
- Apples, bananas, and other fruits
- Leafy green vegetables
- Fortified milk, and dairy products
- Oily fish, including salmon, mackerel, tuna, shrimp, oysters, and sardines
- Mushrooms
- Egg yolk
- Yogurt
- Fortified cereal
- Rice, lentils, sunflower seeds, and almonds