Supplementation with vitamin D does not increase serum testosterone levels in healthy males

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #aged #aged-80-and-over #cross-sectional-studies #dietary-supplements

Supplementation with vitamin D does not increase serum testosterone levels in healthy males

Jorde et al., 2013 | Horm Metab Res | Rct

Citation

Jorde R, Grimnes G, ... Svartberg J. Supplementation with vitamin D does not increase serum testosterone levels in healthy males. Horm Metab Res. 2013-Sep;45(9):675-81. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1345139

Abstract

Cross-sectional studies indicate a positive relation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and testosterone. It is not known if this relation is causal, which in theory could be in both directions. A cross-sectional population based study was designed with pooled data from 3 vitamin D randomized clinical trials (RCTs) performed in Tromsø with weight reduction, insulin sensitivity, and depression scores as endpoints, and one testosterone RCT in subjects with low serum testosterone (<11.0 nmol/l) and with body composition as endpoint. Serum 25(OH)D and androgens were measured in 893 males in the cross-sectional part, at baseline and after 6-12 months of supplementation with vitamin D 20 000 IU-40 000 IU per week vs. placebo in the vitamin D RCTs (n=282), and at baseline and after one year treatment with testosterone undecanoate 1 000 mg or placebo injections (at baseline and after 6, 16, 28, and 40 weeks) in the testosterone RCT (n=37). In the cross-sectional study, serum 25(OH)D was found to be a significant and positive predictor of serum testosterone. In the vitamin D RCTs, no significant effect on serum total or free testosterone levels was seen, and in the testosterone RCT no significant effect on serum 25(OH)D was seen. This was unchanged in sub-analyses in subjects with low serum 25(OH)D (or testosterone) levels. In conclusion, in subjects without significant vitamin D deficiency, there is no increase in serum testosterone after high dose vitamin D supplementation. Similarly, in subjects with moderately low serum testosterone levels, substitution with testosterone does not increase serum 25(OH)D.

Key Findings

Similarly, in subjects with moderately low serum testosterone levels, substitution with testosterone does not increase serum 25(OH)D.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population low serum testosterone
Sample Size 282
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Health
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Placebos
  • Testosterone
  • Vitamin D

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: vitamin-d-fertility

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09