BEING unable to achieve or sustain an erection long enough to have sex can be a big source of embarrassment for many men – despite erectile dysfunction (ED) being a very common health issue.
But before frantically reaching for the ‘‘, scientists have suggested erectile could be damaged by lack of a vital vitamin.
In a new study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, researchers found low vitamin D, also known as , induces .
Vitamin D isa fat-soluble nutrient essential for various bodily functions, particularly bone health.
It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for building and maintaining strong bones.
Vitamin D is also involved in muscle function, nerve function, and immune system health – as well as , according to the new research.
Researchers studied penile tissue from vitamin D deficient rats.
They showed 40 per cent more collagen deposits, indicating fibrosis, a structural change that stiffens erectile tissue and worsens dysfunction.
It was also found phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (like sildenafil, sold under the brand name ) were significantly less effective in restoring erectile function in the animals lacking vitamin D.
This pointed to a potential reason why some men don't respond to standard erectile dysfunction .
And vitamin D receptors were found concentrated in penile smooth muscle cells, directly linking vitamin D signalling to the relaxation mechanisms critical for erection.
However, the authors did emphasise further clinical studies are needed, and the direct applicability to humans requires additional research.
What's the best way to get vitamin D?
The most effective ways to get vitamin D includespending time in the sun, consuming vitamin D-rich foods, and taking .
Sunlight exposure allows the body to produce vitamin D naturally, while certain foods like oily fish, eggs, and fortified products can provide the vitamin.
Supplements are often recommended for those with limited sun exposure or who have difficulty absorbing vitamin D from food.
During and in the UK, it's advised you get the vitamin from your diet because the sun isn't strong enough for the body to make it.
If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms a day will be enough for most people, says the NHS.
During the and months, most people can get enough vitamin D with just 10-15 minutes of sunlight exposure per day.
Vitamin D supplements can be purchased from pharmacies, supermarkets or online.
One example is Vitabiotics' Ultra Vitamin D 1000IU, which is £6.15 for 96 tablets – 6p a tablet.
There are different treatments to help improve erectile dysfunction. See below for what the NHS recommends…
