Could a daily dose of this simple vitamin be the answer to those who suffer from ED?
The answer is a resounding ‘YES’, based on a new study conducted at the University of Milan in Italy.
And the best part is that this vitamin is dirt cheap and available in all supermarkets and health food stores, and you can even get it for free some places.
Alessandra Barassi, MD, and her colleagues of the University of Milan in Italy conducted a study of 143 men with varying degrees of erectile dysfunction and reported that insufficient levels of vitamin D may spur the production of free radicals, which are called superoxide ions.
These free radicals deplete your nitric oxide, a molecule that helps your blood vessels function properly.
Similar research carried out by the John Hopkins University has been released to the American Heart Association, showing that there is a strong correlation between a vitamin D deficiency and impotency.
A vitamin D deficiency is defined as being below 20 nanograms per milliliter of blood. The men with a vitamin D deficiency were 32% more likely to have erectile dysfunction than men with adequate vitamin D levels.
While these studies were observational, it’s enough to spark interest into further research to determine the possibilities, and whether this latest research could be viewed as a clinical marker for ED.
The easiest and cheapest way to obtain vitamin D would be to sit in the morning sun for about 25 minutes with 25% of your skin exposed.
The best food sources of vitamin D can be found in fatty fish, such as herring, sardines, and mackerel, and fish liver oils. Salmon is also a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids; one small fillet will provide your recommended daily vitamin D intake. Small amounts of vitamin D can also be found in beef liver, cheese, and eggs.
You can also take daily supplements. The Institute of Medicine recommends a daily vitamin D intake of 600 international units for adults between 18 and 70 years of age, and 800 international units for those over 80.
You should, however, have your vitamin D level tested before taking supplements, since too much vitamin D, can be just as bad as having too little.