Nutrition & Diet
Vitamin D and Testosterone: The Most Underrated Link
Vitamin D is a steroid hormone. Here's how it influences testosterone and the dose that actually corrects deficiency.
7 min read · XT Editorial Team · Reviewed & updated
Vitamin D is a hormone
Despite the name, vitamin D functions as a steroid hormone. Most men in northern latitudes are deficient, and deficiency correlates strongly with sub-optimal testosterone.
Testing and dosing
Test 25-hydroxy D. Target 40–60 ng/mL. Most men need 2,000–5,000 IU daily to reach that range, taken with a fat-containing meal.
Frequently asked questions
- Can sunlight replace supplements?
- Sometimes, depending on latitude, season, and skin tone. Testing is the only way to know.
- Do I need K2 with D3?
- Some evidence supports co-supplementation for calcium handling, especially at higher D doses.
Related reviews, comparisons & tools
Comparisons
Ready to take action?
Compare our editor-rated testosterone-support formulas or take the 2-minute quiz to find what fits your goals.