Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that the body needs to promote healthy bones, regulate insulin levels, and support the immune, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. Unlike other vitamins, the body naturally produces Vitamin D from cholesterol when exposed to sunlight. It can also be consumed from fish and dairy products.

While essential to the body, Vitamin D deficiencies are incredibly common, with an estimated 1 billion people worldwide having low concentrations in their blood.[1] Some common signs of a Vitamin D deficiency include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle or back pain
• Bone loss
• Frequent infections or illnesses

Individuals who consume a vegan diet, have darker skin or experience little sun exposure are just a few of the groups that are more likely to suffer from a deficiency.

Healthy bones and strong body systems are not the only benefits of a sufficient Vitamin D concentration. Many studies have been done that show there is direct correlation between Vitamin D concentration and testosterone levels. One study was able to give Vitamin D supplements to a small group of men over the course of a year while giving another group placebo treatments. The results showed that those who took the Vitamin D supplements showed drastic increases in their testosterone levels while those taking a placebo showed no noticeable changes.[2] This study, along with many others, shows the impact that nutrition has on all parts of the body, including hormone health.

Many signs of low testosterone levels may also be side effects of Vitamin D deficiencies because of the connection between the two. Just like anything else that has to do with the body, looking out for any changes from what is normal is key to staying healthier for longer. While many times, negative changes in the body may be temporary and go away with a good night’s rest, one can never be too cautious of what those changes can mean.