Troglobites - that's what biologists call cave-dwelling creatures that live without ever seeing sunlight - come in weird shapes and sizes. The eyeless, white, dragon-like amphibian called an olm can survive without food up to 10 years and lives for around 60. Despite a life spent without sunlight, the olm seem to reproduce generation after generation without much trouble. They're related to several species that emerged some 190 million years ago.
Humans can't do so well in the dark, although it's where we have a lot of fun! We're natural sunshine seekers, and our biochemistry depends on sunlight to help regulate everything from our sleep cycle to our immune system. We make vitamin D, which functions as a hormone, through the interaction of sunlight with the body (the liver and kidney are responsible for making D bio-active). So can vitamin D work as hormone replacement therapy for guys with erectile dysfunction?
We know the big D promotes calcium absorption (bone health), modulates cell growth, and immune and neuromuscular function, but treat ED? Researchers at the University of Milan think so. Their research suggests that vitamin D helps prevent arteriogenic (clogged-up or inflexible blood vessels) ED that's caused by circulation problems. Turns out guys with this kind of ED have measurably lower blood levels of D - below 20 mg/dL. The researchers suggest that guys with ED get their D level checked and, if it's low, consider taking a therapeutic dose, plus get 15 minutes of daily sun exposure. That will brighten up your dark nights!
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