Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the body system: Testosterone

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin D has garnered scientific interest for its potential role in supporting the testosterone system in the body, particularly in men. Several observational studies have found a correlation between low vitamin D levels and lower testosterone concentrations. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have explored whether vitamin D supplementation can increase testosterone levels. For example, a 2011 RCT published in "Hormone and Metabolic Research" found that overweight men who supplemented with vitamin D for a year had a significant increase in total testosterone compared to placebo. However, subsequent studies and meta-analyses have reported mixed results, with some showing modest increases and others finding no significant effect.

Mechanistically, vitamin D receptors are present in reproductive tissues, and vitamin D is thought to influence the expression of enzymes involved in steroidogenesis (the production of steroid hormones such as testosterone). Despite these biological plausibilities, the overall scientific consensus is that while vitamin D deficiency may be associated with low testosterone, supplementation only reliably raises testosterone in individuals who are deficient. In populations with adequate vitamin D status, supplementation does not consistently enhance testosterone levels. Therefore, the evidence supports vitamin D's use for testosterone primarily in deficient individuals, and the overall strength of evidence is moderate.

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