Aamir Javed, Sanaz A Movassagh, Shilpa Doultani, Tulsi Kumari, Rishish Sharma, Md Kashif Zeya, Syed Waseem Andrabi, Kamal Saba
{"title":"The relationship between vitamin D levels and erectile dysfunction: A mini-review.","authors":"Aamir Javed, Sanaz A Movassagh, Shilpa Doultani, Tulsi Kumari, Rishish Sharma, Md Kashif Zeya, Syed Waseem Andrabi, Kamal Saba","doi":"10.5653/cerm.2024.07402","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The importance of maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D for optimal male sexual health is highlighted by recent evidence suggesting a link between vitamin D insufficiency and erectile dysfunction (ED). This review examines current research that indicates an association between decreased serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), specifically levels below 20 ng/mL, and a higher prevalence of ED, including severe cases. Studies have shown a significant correlation between a decrease of 10 ng/mL in 25(OH)D levels and a 12% increase in the prevalence of ED. The active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, facilitates the synthesis of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator crucial for penile erection. Additionally, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve erectile function by enhancing endothelial vasodilation and arterial blood flow. It is essential to maintain serum 25(OH)D levels within the recommended range of 20 to 50 ng/mL, given the connection between vascular disorders and ED. A comprehensive approach, including dietary changes, consistent physical activity, and lifestyle modifications, is necessary to prevent ED. While vitamin D deficiency may contribute to ED, it is crucial to recognize that ED is multifactorial and should be addressed by considering all underlying causes. Individuals consistently experiencing symptoms of ED are advised to consult healthcare professionals for appropriate therapeutic interventions. This review emphasizes the importance of considering serum vitamin D levels when assessing male sexual health and calls for further research to clarify the role of vitamin D in the etiology and treatment of ED.</p>","PeriodicalId":46409,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8000,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2024.07402","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The importance of maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D for optimal male sexual health is highlighted by recent evidence suggesting a link between vitamin D insufficiency and erectile dysfunction (ED). This review examines current research that indicates an association between decreased serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), specifically levels below 20 ng/mL, and a higher prevalence of ED, including severe cases. Studies have shown a significant correlation between a decrease of 10 ng/mL in 25(OH)D levels and a 12% increase in the prevalence of ED. The active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, facilitates the synthesis of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator crucial for penile erection. Additionally, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve erectile function by enhancing endothelial vasodilation and arterial blood flow. It is essential to maintain serum 25(OH)D levels within the recommended range of 20 to 50 ng/mL, given the connection between vascular disorders and ED. A comprehensive approach, including dietary changes, consistent physical activity, and lifestyle modifications, is necessary to prevent ED. While vitamin D deficiency may contribute to ED, it is crucial to recognize that ED is multifactorial and should be addressed by considering all underlying causes. Individuals consistently experiencing symptoms of ED are advised to consult healthcare professionals for appropriate therapeutic interventions. This review emphasizes the importance of considering serum vitamin D levels when assessing male sexual health and calls for further research to clarify the role of vitamin D in the etiology and treatment of ED.
最近有证据表明,维生素 D 不足与勃起功能障碍(ED)之间存在联系,这凸显了维持充足的维生素 D 水平对男性最佳性健康的重要性。本综述探讨了当前的研究,这些研究表明血清中 25- 羟基维生素 D(25(OH)D)浓度的降低,特别是低于 20 纳克/毫升的水平,与较高的 ED 患病率(包括严重病例)之间存在关联。研究表明,25(OH)D 水平每降低 10 纳克/毫升,ED 患病率就会增加 12%,两者之间存在明显的相关性。维生素 D 的活性形式--钙三醇能促进一氧化氮的合成,而一氧化氮是一种对阴茎勃起至关重要的强效血管扩张剂。此外,补充维生素 D 还能增强内皮血管扩张和动脉血流,从而改善勃起功能。鉴于血管疾病与 ED 之间的联系,将血清 25(OH)D 水平保持在 20 至 50 纳克/毫升的推荐范围内至关重要。预防 ED 需要采取综合措施,包括改变饮食习惯、坚持体育锻炼和改变生活方式。虽然维生素 D 缺乏可能是导致 ED 的原因之一,但必须认识到 ED 是由多种因素造成的,因此应通过考虑所有潜在原因来解决这一问题。建议持续出现 ED 症状的患者咨询医疗保健专业人员,以采取适当的治疗干预措施。本综述强调了在评估男性性健康时考虑血清维生素 D 水平的重要性,并呼吁开展进一步研究,以明确维生素 D 在 ED 病因学和治疗中的作用。