Currently, research on the effects of vitamins and vitamin deficiencies on sexual health is very limited. However, since vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for normal growth and regulation of bodily functions, it stands to reason that a person’s vitamin levels could affect their sexual function as well. The following is what is known so far about vitamins and their potential impact on sexual function.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, which can be produced through sun exposure and is found in fatty fish and fortified milk, is perhaps the most researched vitamin for sexual health. In men, vitamin D appears to support testosterone production and healthy endothelial function. (The endothelium is a thin layer of cells inside the heart and blood vessels that is essential for the relaxation and contraction of blood vessels, controlling blood clots and helping the body’s immune response).
Researchers have found that vitamin D helps stimulate nitric oxide and antioxidants in the endothelium which reduces inflammatory diseases that can damage a person’s vascular function. This, in turn, can improve vascular function, which is very important for erectile function.
Previous studies have found associations between healthy levels of vitamin D and improved sexual function in men. One such study found that vitamin D-deficient men had significantly lower International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores than control men.
For women, vitamin D has been shown to help with estrogen secretion and vaginal cell maturation. Estrogen is a key hormone when it comes to female sexual function, as it helps support healthy vaginal tissues and good lubrication, which makes sex more comfortable and enjoyable for women. In fact, intravaginal vitamin D suppositories have shown positive results in improving painful symptoms of sex and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women compared to a placebo.
Vitamin C
Similar to vitamin D, vitamin C has been shown to be protective against endothelial dysfunction. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that aids in the availability of nitric oxide, which supports endothelial and vascular function that is vital for good sexual function. This vitamin is found in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and tomatoes.
Vitamin E
In animal studies, vitamin E levels appear to be related to Leydig cells, which are the main source of testosterone in men. Vitamin E-deficient animals had lower Leydig cell numbers, lower testicular weight, and greater testicular damage than healthy animals. While it appears that vitamin E may be helpful for testosterone production and thus sexual function, it is important to determine whether these findings translate to humans. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, avocados, mangoes and vegetable oils.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Folate is found in beans, peanuts, whole grains and dark leafy vegetables. Like other vitamins, it contributes to the healthy functioning of the endothelium. In addition, it is very important for the metabolism of serotonin, which plays an important role in the regulation of ejaculation. A 2014 study in China found that folic acid deficiency was associated with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in men. However, further research is needed to see how this vitamin might affect people’s sexual function in general.
The bottom line
Vitamins may help support healthy sexual function, but sexual health is made up of many different components, including neurological processes, vascular function, mental health, and even relationship dynamics. Therefore, one should not expect that any sexual health issue can be solved by taking multivitamins. However, these findings suggest that there may be a sexual health benefit to eating a healthy, balanced diet and taking supplements to address any vitamin deficiencies you may have.
Bibliographical references:
Ali, M., Smith, RP, & Ortiz, NM (2022). The impact of vitamin deficiency on sexual health. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(9), 1313-1316. DOI:
Crafa, A., Cannarella, R., Condorelli, RA, La Vignera, S., & Calogero, AE (2020). Is there a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and erectile dysfunction? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 12(5), 1411. DOI:
Yan, WJ, Yu, N., Yin, TL, Zou, YJ, & Yang, J. (2014). A new potential risk factor in patients with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation: folic acid deficiency. Asian Journal of Andrology, 16(6), 902. DOI: 10.4103/1008-682X.135981
