An estimated 20 to 30 million American men suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), a term used to signify the inability to attain or maintain erection of the penis sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse. New data from the University of Milan indicates that low levels of vitamin D can be a significant factor in leading to ED.
Given the link between vitamin D and atherosclerosis, Italian researchers conducted a study in 143 men with ED. The men were evaluated for penile atherosclerosis by ultrasound along with blood levels for vitamin D3.
Fifty men were classified as suffering from atherosclerotic ED, 28 borderline ED and 65 non- atherosclerotic ED. The average vitamin D level was 21.3 ng/mL and 45.9% of the men had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml). Only 20.2% had vitamin D levels greater than 30 ng/ml.