Here's a study that you'll want to read about the power of Vitamin D and those little swimmers, sperm.
My friend, Dr. Chaney reviews the findings:
A recent study from the University of Copenhagen shows a positive correlation between the percentage of motile sperm and serum vitamin D levels in men (M.B. Jensen et al, Oxford Journal of Human Reproduction, 26: 1307 - 1317, 2011). (I you want to check out the actual article, click here.)
By way of background, an increasing number of young men are experiencing fertility problems in the industrialized countries.
The cause of this increased infertility isn't known, but studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency causes a decrease in the number and motility of sperm in animals. And the authors of this paper had previously shown the presence of vitamin D receptors in human testes and sperm.
So in this study they examined the sperm and serum 25- hydroxy vitamin D levels in 300 Danish men.
They found a linear correlation between sperm motility and serum vitamin D levels. Put another way, the sperm from men who were vitamin D deficient (serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels < 25 nmoles/liter) were significantly less motile than the sperm from men with high vitamin D levels (> 75 nmoles/liter).
So what does this study mean for you?
This study raises the possibility that vitamin D may be important for male reproductive health.
However, there are many factors besides sperm motility that determine the reproductive fitness of sperm.
And this study did not demonstrate that adding extra vitamin D to the diet would be sufficient by itself to improve sperm motility in men with infertility problems. Previous studies have shown that antioxidants, zinc and various vitamins can also affect sperm quality so a more holistic approach might be required.
The bottom line is that it would probably be premature to suggest taking vitamin D along with your Viagra.
However, for those guys who have been ignoring all of the other health benefits of vitamin D, this study might just get your attention.
To Your Health!
Dr. Stephen G Chaney
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