Outcome
    Moderate Evidence

    Vitamin D for Testosterone Support

    Vitamin D may raise testosterone in deficient men only, and even that finding is inconsistent.

    Overview

    Vitamin D may raise testosterone in deficient men only, and even that finding is inconsistent.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Vitamin D receptors are present in Leydig cells and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    1000-2000 IU/day, more if deficient
    Expected timeframe
    12 weeks

    Protocol

    form
    Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with a fat-containing meal
    duration
    Trials ran 3-12 months
    co factor
    Evidence is insufficient. Vitamin D receptors are present in Leydig cells and the testis, and cross-sectional studies associate higher 25(OH)D with higher testosterone, which generated substantial commercial interest. The intervention evidence has not held up: Pilz and colleagues reported a testosterone rise with 3,332 IU/day in a small trial of overweight men, but this was not replicated - Lerchbaum and colleagues conducted larger randomised trials in men with and without low testosterone and found no significant effect on total testosterone, free testosterone or SHBG, and systematic reviews conclude the evidence does not support a testosterone-raising effect.
    titration
    Not applicable for this indication; 4,000 IU/day is the tolerable upper intake level
    starting dose
    Not established for testosterone. Trials used 3,000-4,000 IU/day of vitamin D3

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    An early randomised trial in overweight deficient men showed a testosterone increase, but several later trials in replete men found no effect. Benefit appears limited to correcting deficiency.

    No studies are yet linked to both Vitamin D and Testosterone Support.

    Safety

    Caveats

    No effect expected if 25(OH)D is already adequate.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone - the larger trials found no testosterone effect.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.