For starters, vitamin D is vital to skeletal muscle form and function—and we’re talking all movement.* Vitamin D receptors (VDR) have been found in skeletal muscle throughout the body (i.e., the ones that flex and make your bones and body move), indicating muscles need vitamin D to participate in all sorts of daily activities—not just exercise.* Sufficient vitamin D is also required to maintain a healthy percentage of muscle mass throughout the lifespan.* In fact, research shows higher muscle mass slows down muscle loss with age and can even promote longevity5. If you’ve plateaued in the gym, vitamin D insufficiency could be a contributing factor. “Having adequate levels of vitamin D is essential for optimizing the benefits of vitamin D on muscle,”* says Wright. Thankfully, research reveals that individuals deficient or insufficient in vitamin D can significantly improve muscle function and strength simply by taking a high-quality and effectively dosed vitamin D3 supplement.* With 93% of Americans6 failing to consume just 400 I.U. of vitamin D (and we need a whole lot more per the science), any explanation of how the sunshine vitamin supports our brain and improves mental welfare (and encourages people to get their levels checked out) is a massive win.* Luckily, vitamin D’s role in cognitive function, mood, and mental well-being has been a focused area of research over the past few years.* First off, vitamin D receptors and metabolites are found throughout the brain, indicating vitamin D has an important role in brain function and health7.* This fact was further proved in a 2020 review that revealed sufficient vitamin D levels can promote mental well-being, uplift mood, and support cognitive vitality8.* In regards to emotional health, another 2020 review concluded that vitamin D supplementation can help improve mood by reducing negative emotions9.* (This massive review and meta-analysis research also indicates that those with a vitamin D deficiency would benefit from supplementation.) Even more recently, it was found that vitamin D works closely with the pineal gland to help regulate serotonin and melatonin levels10 (two hormones vital to mental well-being and good sleep). As we know, sleep is integral to overall well-being—and not an area of health to be ignored when discussing mental wellness. Vitamin D’s role in fertility is a very hot area of research, director of scientific affairs at mbg Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, reports on the mindbodygreen podcast. VDR are found in the penis, testes, and sperm, demonstrating vitamin D plays a significant role in male sexual function (and that sufficient levels are crucial in supporting fertility and reproductive health).* A 2020 review reveals that vitamin D supports male fertility potential by improving sperm motility11.* “It turns out the quality of semen and the ability of sperm to swim is dependent on vitamin D status,”* Ferira states. And the science doesn’t stop there. In addition to sperm health, a 2021 study in the12 World Journal of Men’s Health12 discusses how erectile function (which is an important predictor of male health) directly relies on vitamin D.* So, there you have it: Vitamin D helps men have healthy, active sex lives.* If that doesn’t convince you to pay attention to your vitamin D levels, we don’t know what will. First, finding a vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplement as opposed to the far inferior vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is crucial.* According to a large body of scientific evidence, D3 is more efficacious, bioavailable, stable, and potent (like 87% more potent13) than D2.* Enough said. Next, let’s chat about vitamin D sources. While most vitamin D supplements are made from lanolin, a yellow fat in sheep’s wool, and it’s a great option, the new school of vitamin D sources are of plant origin. For a plant-based alternative to lanolin, algae is the pinnacle of innovative (sustainable) sources of D3. That’s why mbg’s vitamin D3 potency+ formula features vitamin D3 from sustainable, organic algae. When it comes to dosage, men should look for a daily supplement with 5,000 I.U. per serving, and those deficient in vitamin D or those with an overweight or obese body composition may require higher doses. Remember, because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it should be taken alongside some fat. This is exactly why mbg leveraged absorption technology in its formula, infusing a trio of organic, virgin oils from avocado, oil, and flax. This not only directly supports the bioavailability of vitamin D3, but these oils also deliver healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids).* So to recap, optimizing form (D3), potency (5,000 I.U. plus), and bioavailability is where it’s at for the cutting-edge of vitamin D. No doubt, that’s why these health experts swear by vitamin D3 potency+. If you’re still not sure whether or not a specific vitamin D supplement is good quality, you can always ask your health care provider to ensure you’re meeting your needs. (And if your vitamin D levels are stubborn, here are some possible reasons why).
