About the author: Camilla Freinek, MSc., is a biologist, head of knowledge management and a member of the scientific team at Biogena Naturprodukte GmbH.
The Biogena Group, based in Salzburg, develops high-quality micronutrient preparations and is one of the leading companies in the field of evidence-based health solutions in Europe.
Vitamin D plays a major role in bone health and the immune system – this is common knowledge nowadays. But it has numerous other functions that are not yet so well known. It also has an influence on the male reproductive system.
This is suggested by the fact that a significant number of vitamin D receptors and vitamin D-converting enzymes are located in all parts of the reproductive tract ( Blomberg Jensen, 2010 ).
Exactly how and to what extent vitamin D levels influence testosterone levels is the subject of current research, as the relationship between vitamin D and the hormonal system is complex. For example, it appears to depend on BMI and age ( Monson et al., 2023 ). Interestingly, both vitamin D levels and testosterone levels are subject to very similar seasonal fluctuations – further evidence of a close relationship. The same study also showed that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of testosterone deficiency ( Wehr et al., 2009 ).
Are you getting enough vitamin D?
There is no doubt that a balanced vitamin D level is a significant factor when it comes to physical and mental health, performance, and quality of life. However, a look at the supply situation quickly reveals that hardly anyone is truly adequately supplied. The BIOGENA Good Health Study shows that a large proportion of the 1,377 study participants (46% of whom were male) are deficient. On average, men fared even worse than women – for example, in the 30- to 39-year-old age group, a full 58.8% were found to be severely deficient (<50 nmol/l) ( Wäger, 2021 ).
Why is this? The human body produces vitamin D through the skin with the help of sunlight. However, in Central Europe, this is only possible from April to September. Modern lifestyles, with frequent time spent indoors, also reduce exposure to the UVB radiation in sunlight.
Foods contain only trace amounts of vitamin D, so mushrooms and eggs won't help you achieve optimal vitamin D levels. The good news is that vitamin D supplements can easily and reliably bring your levels up to a healthy level – regardless of the intensity of sunlight.
