Serum androgen levels are associated with vitamin D concentration, and vary with the seasons in a similar pattern, according to a study published in Clinical Endocrinology.
The vitamin D receptor is expressed in reproductive tissues including prostate, testis and human sperm, and receptor-knockout mice have gonadal insufficiency, suggesting a role for vitamin D in reproductive function. However, the role of vitamin D in human reproduction has not been extensively studied and remains unclear.
A research group from Germany and Austria recruited 2,229 men from the prospective LURIC (LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular health) study. Levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), testosterone, luteinizing hormone and sex-hormone-binding globulin were measured, and the free androgen index (FAI) calculated.
Almost one-fifth of men assessed had hypogonadism. The mean 25(OH)D concentration of these participants was markedly lower than that of men with sufficient testosterone. Regression analyses showed a significant association between 25(OH)D levels and testosterone, FAI and sex-hormone-binding globulin, even after adjusting for age and BMI. Significant monthly variations in testosterone and FAI followed a seasonal pattern similar to that of 25(OH)D, with a peak in late summer and nadir in spring.
The authors postulate that this might contribute to seasonal fluctuations in birth rates and athletic performance. In addition, there could be a role for vitamin D in the management of age-related low testosterone levels, which can have detrimental effects on sexual and cognitive function. Further studies will investigate whether vitamin D supplementation can improve androgen status and ameliorate the symptoms of testosterone depletion in elderly men, without the adverse effects commonly associated with testosterone therapy.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Wehr, E. et al. Association of vitamin D status with serum androgen levels in men. Clin. Endocrinol. 73, 243–248 (2010)
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Fenner, A. Androgens and vitamin D levels. Nat Rev Urol 7, 532 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrurol.2010.150
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrurol.2010.150