Can Vitamin D Increase Testosterone? The Truth After Years of Research

It was 2011 when a renowned study by a team of scientists from the University of Graz in Austria found that Vitamin D supplementation led to a significant increase in testosterone levels. This groundbreaking finding raised the question of whether the so-called ‘sunshine vitamin’ could be a simple solution for men suffering from low testosterone levels. However, after years of intensive research, it is becoming clear that Vitamin D is not a universal remedy that will solve testosterone level problems for every man. So, what does its effect depend on, and which men could it help?

A Pioneering Finding with Important Context

The study published in the journal Hormone and Metabolic Research was seen as a key milestone in research into the relationship between Vitamin D and testosterone. However, the overall context is very important in this case. This is because the scientists did not study the general population, but specific groups of 54 men.

Who Were the Study Participants?

• overweight, in a weight reduction program
• with a clear Vitamin D deficiency
• with low-normal testosterone levels

Why Did Testosterone Levels Increase in the Study Participants?

These three groups were ideal for the research because they shared a Vitamin D deficiency and low testosterone levels. In the case of these men, an improvement truly occurred. After a year of Vitamin D supplementation, a statistically significant increase in testosterone was observed compared to the placebo group. However, the key to this finding was that correcting a severe deficiency has a greater chance of eliciting a physiological response. ^[1]

This means that if you have very little of something in your body and you replenish it to normal levels, the response will be positive. You can imagine it like a car that has low oil, and therefore its engine is not functioning optimally. If you replenish it to the standard level, the engine will return to normal again. But if you already have enough oil and you add more beyond the recommended level, practically nothing will improve.

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What About Newer Research? Expectations vs. Reality

After 2011, research into the relationship between Vitamin D and testosterone expanded with high expectations that positive results would be replicated. However, many studies came with inconclusive findings. The most optimistic result comes from a high-quality meta-analysis from 2024, which, however, shows only an average increase in testosterone with minimal impact. An increase from the lower limit of normal to a slightly higher level is unlikely to bring a measurable improvement in libido, muscle mass, or other manifestations of increased testosterone. ^[2]

Does Vitamin D Supplementation Even Make Sense in Relation to Testosterone?

Testosterone levels are the result of a complex hormonal interplay of several factors, such as a healthy lifestyle, sufficient sleep, strength training, and optimal body weight. Research shows that the effect of Vitamin D can be significant, but it targets a very specific audience. If you have a Vitamin D deficiency and simultaneously low or borderline testosterone levels, it may help you. Despite this, Vitamin D cannot be considered a universal testo-booster. It is rather a small helper when needed. In general, it still holds true that for healthy testosterone levels, an optimal Vitamin D level is also important.

Furthermore, its adequate levels are also important for many other well-proven reasons, which we discussed in the article Vitamin D: Why Is It So Important, What Causes Deficiency, and How to Supplement It?

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How Do You Determine your Vitamin D Level and who is at Risk of Deficiency?

The most accurate method is a blood test at a doctor’s office, which can measure the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Various home diagnostic tests can also help.

Those at Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency

Risk groups most frequently threatened by Vitamin D deficiency include ^[3]:

• people with limited sun exposure, especially during the winter months
• seniors
• people who are overweight and obese
• vegans and vegetarians
• people with darker skin types
• vegans and vegetarians
• people with lactose intolerance or milk allergy
• people with digestive tract, liver, or kidney diseases

In any case, it is ideal to simply have your Vitamin D level measured and then, based on the results, determine whether you need to supplement it. If your Vitamin D level is low, then its supplementation will most likely lead to higher testosterone levels.

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