Vitamin D3 For Testosterone & BodyBuilding

What is Vitamin D3?

Also known as Cholecalciferol; vitamin D3 is synthesized by humans naturally when skin is exposed to sunlight. However, it can also be consumed in supplements – which is why Vitamin D3 has become a popular addition to testosterone boosters in particular.

So why is it useful? Well, studies have shown that vitamin D3 is a strong triggering factor of calcium deposition in bone bringing about healthier and stronger bones. On cases of vitamin D deficiency, the deposit of calcium to the body decreases or comes to an abrupt halt. With time, this causes the under-mineralization of bones and so increasing the risks of fractures

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Vitamin D3 v D2
• Which Is Better: Vitamin D3 v D2?
• Optimal Dosage For Testosterone Levels
• Why It’s Used in Test Booster Supplements
• How Does It Raise Testosterone Levels?
• Conclusion

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Vitamin D3 v D2

Many nutritionists and fitness experts recommend Vitamin D3 as the nutrient to choose (if you were forced to choose only one). This is a great example of how beneficial this nutrient really is – in fact, Vitamin D3 is technically a hormone (as it’s produced by your body after being exposed to sunlight).

However, Vitamin D3 can also be consumed through foods; such as egg yolks and oily fish. As a result, it can also be orally supplemented as part of supplements – we’ll expand on this later.

So first we’ll explain the difference between Vitamin D3 v D2,

Difference Between Vitamin D3 v D2 

Vitamin D2 is also known as Ergocalciferol; it’s obtained from the UV irradiation of the substance ergosterol, which is a steroid present in some plants but more pronounced in fungi.

For this reason, humans don’t produce Vitamin D3 – only plants and fungi do (as we mentioned, humans produce Vitamin D3 – so this is the first big difference between the 2 forms of Vitamin D).

Vitamin D3 has a better absorption rate than D2 

The two kinds of vitamin D, which are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3, both offer almost identical benefits to the body. But the rate in which they are absorbed in the body differs as only D3 is absorbed more readily.

Ultimately, this means your body makes use of Vitamin D3, while most of the Vitamin D2 isn’t absorbed. So, in supplements, it’s more beneficial to consume Vitamin D3 than D2.

Vitamin D2 used in cheaper foods such as cereal and milk substitutes

Some foods fortified with vitamin D additives will most likely contain vitamin D2. Why? Answer: Because its a cheaper way of boosting nutritional value.

Ultimately, Vitamin D3 costs more to add than D2.

But it’s not just cereal; dairy-free milk substitutes, such as soy, almond, coconut will sometimes contain vitamin D2 instead of D3. The difference is, that Vitamin D3 is found in actualy dairy (so this is an advantage for non-vegetarians).

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Which Is Better: Vitamin D3 v D2?

The most biochemically active form of vitamin D in humans and animals is cholecalciferol also known as Vitamin D3. As we’ve already mentioned, Vitamin D3 is absorbed by your body better – therefore Vitamin D3 is the best form you can consume.

As well as being able to strengthen your bones and protect you from conditions such as rickets – Vitamin D3 has also shown to promote testosterone levels.

Simply put, Vitamin D3’s ability to raise test levels is the reason why the fitness industry and bodybuilders have taken an interest to it.

Why? Answer: Increased testosterone levels lead to benefits such as:

• Increased muscle mass
• Reduced stubborn belly fat
• Elevated mood
• Improved confidence

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Optimal Dosage of Vitamin D3 For Testosterone Levels

Testosterone is a very important hormone produced in humans – especially men.

In males, the level of testosterone increases during the stages of puberty and triggers the process of spermatogenesis (sperm production) and the stimulation of secondary sexual characteristics such as body hair and a deeper voice.

But you might not know that testosterone is even important in females to; in both sexes, testosterone assists in strengthening your bones, promoting muscle protein synthesis (growth), strength, and enhances libido.

For this reason, bodybuilders and athletes have began supplementing Vitamin D3.

And for good reason; it’s proven to boost your test levels and deliver the consequent benefits in optimal dosages around 3,332IU-5,000IU per daily serving (these studies have shown that you can achieve more than a 25% increase in test levels from this optimal dosage).

Therefore, if you’re looking to supplement Vitamin D3, then you should look for a product containing over 3,332IU overall servings.

Why It’s Used In Testosterone Booster Supplements

Countless studies have proven the importance of adequate vitamin D levels in maintaining high levels of testosterone. This becomes especially important after men turn 30-years of age; studies have also shown that men over 30 suffer 1% deceases in T levels every year.

So you can see why supplementing Vitamin D3 is important.

How does Vitamin D3 raise testosterone levels?

One way in which this hormone boosts your testosterone levels is by eliminating the substance known as SHGB.

What Is SHGB?

Also known as Sex Hormone Binding Blobulin; it’s a glycoprotein in the blood binds to both testosterone and estrogen. Ultimately, it decreases your free testosterone levels after binding to it in your body.

What Is Free Testosterone?

Free or active testosterone is the amount of the total testosterone present in the blood that is not attached to the protein SHGB and it is this amount that is capable entering a cell for the purpose of activating a testosterone receptor. A high level of sex hormone binding globulin directly correlates with a decreased amount of free and active testosterone.

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Conclusion

After reading our article, you should know the answer to the Vitamin D3 v D2 question. Answer: Vitamin D3 is more beneficial, as it’s absorbed by your body better than D2.

Also, D3 is the more ‘natural’ form for humans – as it’s actually produced in your body after your skin is exposed to sunlight.

Ultimately, there are 2 main reasons why bodybuilders and athletes supplement Vitamin D3; for increased calcium absorption rates, and for a boost in testosterone levels.

Increased Calcium Absorption Rates

Almost every other article about Vitamin D3 focused on its ability to boost testosterone. But hardly any mentioned its ability to strengthen your bones by increased calcium absorption rates…

Simply put, without adequate levels of vitamin D3, the body can only absorb roughly 10-15% of dietary calcium. This is compared to 30-40% absorption with adequate vitamin D3 levels.

But it does much more than this; vitamin D receptors can be found in almost all parts of the body, such as the blood vessels, heart, muscles, prostate, endocrine glands, and the small intestine.

For the essence of this article, it is the “other” roles of vitamin D that we’ve also focused on. But if you’re here to find our final thoughts about Vitamin D3 and testosterone, then we’ll tell you below.

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