How Does Vitamin D3 Support Sexual Health?

Published: 2025-09-30

Updated: 2025-09-30

4 mins

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is one of two dominant forms of vitamin D produced in the body. The body utilizes vitamin D to support the immune system, bone health, calcium levels, and other bodily processes. 

One of the easiest ways to raise vitamin D levels is to spend more time outside. Spending time in the sun can make you feel more energized and improve your mood as your vitamin D3 levels increase.

While vitamin D has plenty of health benefits, health experts have mixed opinions on whether vitamin D is truly effective in improving sexual health in men. Some studies have found a promising connection between low levels of vitamin D and erectile dysfunction (ED), but others suggest the connection is not as strong.

What is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone produced in the skin from exposure to sunlight and in the body from certain foods and supplements. Through a process known as hydroxylation, vitamin D is first created in the kidneys. Vitamin D3 is then absorbed in the small intestine. 

Health experts recommend adults consume around 15 to 20 mcg (micrograms) of vitamin D3 daily. However, this range can vary based on your personal health profile. For example, men diagnosed with certain health conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may require a slightly different daily vitamin D intake.

Vitamin D3 is responsible for the following bodily functions:

• Promoting bone growth

• Preventing osteoporosis

• Reducing inflammation

• Protecting your heart health

Key Sources of Vitamin D3

The ultimate source of vitamin D is the sun. UVB radiation penetrates the skin and converts 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3. Elderly individuals and those with darker skin complexions may absorb less vitamin D naturally from the sun. 

If you have a vitamin D deficiency, the following foods are also great sources of vitamin D3:

• Salmon

• Mushrooms

• Rice

• Eggs

• Cheese

• Sardines

• Cod liver oil

• Milk

A healthcare provider may recommend vitamin D supplements if your vitamin D levels are severely low. Reach out to your healthcare provider before starting any supplements. Some supplements may interact with certain medications.

Potential Sexual Health Benefits of Vitamin D3

More research is still needed on the relationship between vitamin D and sexual health to officially conclude whether or not it improves erectile function. However, current studies have found that raising vitamin D3 levels may contribute to the following sexual health benefits for men:

1. May improve your mood

Men with diagnosed depression tend to have lower levels of vitamin D. The mind-body connection is a key component of your sexual health. Depressive symptoms and consistent anxiety can lead to psychological erectile dysfunction. 

One study found that consuming more vitamin D may improve erectile function by also balancing your mood.

2. May raise testosterone levels

Health experts have also found a link between vitamin D deficiency and low testosterone levels. In one study, participants with diagnosed ED also had low testosterone levels. However, studies are still limited, and more research is needed.

3. May help with premature ejaculation

When vitamin D levels are low, it can affect how well your endocrine system functions. A decline in the efficiency of your endocrine system may increase your risk for premature ejaculation (PE). Taking vitamin D supplements may help improve PE.

4. May raise sex drive

It’s normal for men to see a gradual decline in libido as they get closer to elderly age. However, an increase in vitamin D may also improve libido and help men maintain it for longer.

5. May increase sperm production

Vitamin D deficiency is often associated with lower total sperm count. Studies found a potential connection between higher vitamin D levels and the production of quality sperm. However, other studies have shown that vitamin D has no major effects on sperm production.

Rex MD can help you treat erectile dysfunction and other sexual health concerns with various underlying causes. If low testosterone levels are an issue, Rex MD offers affordable and accessible testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) options. TRT can relieve symptoms commonly associated with low testosterone, like low libido and depression.

Other Health Benefits of Vitamin D3

It’s natural for your bones to feel more fragile and prone to breakage as you age. Men with adequate vitamin D levels are more likely to stay physically active and maintain muscle strength in their old age. Vitamin D3 helps prevent bone conditions like osteoporosis and rickets by supporting bone strength.

Risks Associated with Vitamin D3

Having normal vitamin D levels may also help improve heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease. However, health experts have also found that having excessively high levels of vitamin D3 may increase your risk of high blood pressure.

Excessively high levels of vitamin D may lead to the following symptoms:

• Dehydration

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Muscle weakness

• Arrythmia

• Kidney failure

Where Can I Learn More About Improving My Sexual Health?

Rex MD can connect you with licensed healthcare providers who can prescribe quality FDA-approved medication for sexual health concerns. 

Rex MD offers quality, affordable treatment like testosterone therapy, ED medication, and more from the comfort of your home. Get the ball rolling on improving your sexual health by filling out a short questionnaire about your health history and symptoms.

Get started today by taking control of your sexual health.