Low sex drive, in both men and women, has been linked with vitamin D deficiency. 

In men, a boost in testosterone levels is positively correlated with good sex drive. In women, low estrogen levels are connected to low libido. According to a 2010 study published in the journal Clinical Endocrinology, sufficient vitamin D levels were associated with higher levels of testosterone while the reverse effect was true as well. A 2018 study published in the journal Endokrynologia Polska found that taking vitamin D supplements increased sexual desire in women. 

It’s not just your sex drive that a lack of vitamin D affects. Vaginal health, fertility, and even erectile dysfunction are connected to vitamin D deficiency. Now that you know how important vitamin D is for your sex life, you may want to know about some of the unexpected causes of vitamin D deficiency, chief of which is not getting enough sun exposure. Your age, skin color, and underlying health conditions have a bearing too. 

In relation to sunlight, we get it: It’s confusing. We’re asked to stay away from the sun to protect our skin from premature aging and cancer and we also need the sun to keep us happy in general and in the bedroom. What gives?