Are you not having much sex and would like to increase your libido? Did you know that vitamin D plays a role in making hormones? As a result, there may be a link between low libido and vitamin D deficiency. In this blog, we find out what effect vitamin D has on libido.
What is vitamin D
Vitamin D is a vitamin that the body / skin produces under the influence of sunlight. We also get it through our diet. Vitamin D is responsible for the absorption of calcium and phosphate from food. There are two main types of vitamin D, namely the animal form vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. Vitamin D3 you normally get through sunlight and food such as oily fish. Handily, eating mackerel keeps up your vitamin D and thus your libido. Vitamin D2 is found in plant foods and fungi.
Low vitamin D levels can affect hormone production and testosterone and oestrogen levels. Furthermore, vitamin D is needed for:
- Strong bones and teeth
- Good immune system function
- Maintaining muscle function
How do people get vitamin D deficiency
In winter, there is little sunlight, making vitamin D deficiency more likely. A vitamin D deficiency can also be caused by eating little food that contains vitamin D. If you are older or have a darker complexion, your body makes less vitamin D so you are more likely to develop a deficiency. A vitamin D deficiency can have a negative effect on your libido.
Link between vitamin D deficiency and libido
A vitamin D deficiency can cause, among other things:
- Listlessness
- Fatigue
- Winter depression
- Reduced stress resistance
All these things affect your libido. As a result, vitamin D deficiency can have a major impact on your libido, which is not good for your sex life. Studies have shown that men with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have erection problems or a lower libido.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that affects your libido. In fact, vitamin D is the building block for an important hormone: calcitriol. This hormone is part of the steroid hormones that include oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol. Testosterone also makes you pick up on environmental signals such as flirting faster. In men, this hormone is produced in the testes and adrenal glands. In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone also stimulates, among other things, the growth of pubic hair and increases the desire for sex.
Oestrogen
Oestrogen is a hormone secreted by the ovaries in women. This hormone ensures that the uterus grows, the vagina remains flexible and for sensitivity during sex. Men also produce a small amount of oestrogen.
How to ensure adequate vitamin D
The most natural way to make enough vitamin D is to have at least half an hour a day of sunlight on your skin. Even if you only go outside for a short time, you can easily pick up some vitamin D. In addition, you can boost vitamin D production by eating fatty fish such as salmon, beef and cheese, for example. Vitamin D is also often added to products such as margarine and oil. Conveniently, eating a sandwich with margarine can boost your libido due to the vitamin D it contains. Another easy way to get the recommended daily amount of vitamin D is by taking vitamin D supplements. When using supplements, though, it is useful to check beforehand whether you are allowed to use them.
Other ways to increase libido with vitamins
There are several other ways to increase your libido with vitamins.
Such as by taking a supplement that reduces stress and increases your energy. Note, however, that supplements are to supplement a normal diet.
An example of such a supplement is Restilen. Of course, you can always choose to make your libido on a natural way to increase.