The urologist spoke about the connection of vitamin D and zinc with sexual dysfunction in men

Maintaining men's health depends on many factors, including sufficient intake of zinc and vitamin D. Deficiency of these substances causes disorders of erectile function and fertility in men, which subsequently leads to problems in family relationships. But on July 10, in an interview with Izvestia, Dmitry Morozov, a urologist, andrologist of the highest category of the SM Clinic, Candidate of medical Sciences, called male infertility the most important threat.

Among all the vitamins and trace elements necessary for the proper functioning of the male reproductive system, zinc and vitamin D are of particular importance. According to most foreign and Russian experts, the zinc content in seminal plasma significantly exceeds its content in blood, which confirms the importance of this trace element for ejaculate.

"We often discuss the benefits of iron, calcium or iodine, but we know almost nothing about zinc, and even minimal doses of this trace element play a huge role in supporting the male hormonal system. First of all, it is the production of the male hormone testosterone, at low levels of which a man's libido sharply decreases and erectile dysfunction develops," Morozov explained.

Moreover, according to him, a lack of zinc can lead to so-called secretory infertility, when spermatozoa lose their mobility and activity, and overall sperm quality deteriorates. Therefore, the doctor advised to focus on seafood in the diet, rich in this trace element, as well as walnuts and almonds.

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Vitamin D is equally important for men's health. The body can produce it on its own, provided that the sun's rays are sufficiently exposed to the skin. In the diet, it is present in fatty marine fish, eggs, butter, sour cream and other foods. Vitamin D deficiency, like zinc, directly affects a man's hormonal balance. It has been proven that vitamin D and zinc significantly increase the enzymatic activity in testicular cells, increase the volume of ejaculate and increase the number of mature forms of spermatozoa with high energy.

"Despite the seemingly high vitamin D content in animal foods, many people still suffer from vitamin D deficiency. The thing is that we need 400-600 IU of vitamin per day, but for this we would have to eat a kilogram of butter, beef liver, two dozen eggs or drink several liters of milk. It is unlikely that anyone can afford such a diet, and there will be much more harm to health than benefit," said the doctor.

To the nutritional deficiency of vitamin D, Morozov added a lack of solar insolation, for example, among residents of the northern regions of Russia. Ultimately, an acute vitamin deficiency can lead to a decrease in the production of androgen sex hormones. Against this background, erection and fertility potential may decrease not only in middle-aged men, but also in physically active young people.

At the same time, the doctor emphasized that most problems with libido and potency are reversible if micro- and macronutrient deficiencies, as well as metabolic disorders, are detected in a timely manner. To do this, you need to adjust your diet and take tests for vitamin D and zinc levels. If a deficiency of these elements is found, you should immediately consult with specialists. In such a situation, a professional recommendation from a doctor regarding dietary adjustments will help to increase the effectiveness of medications and avoid dangerous reproductive and sexual disorders in the future.

On May 31, Irina Chekmareva, cardiologist at the Semeynaya Clinic, shared the main functions of vitamin D in an interview with Izvestia. According to her, it promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine. Without sufficient vitamin D levels, calcium absorption may decrease, leading to a lack of this mineral, which is essential for bone tissue.