Learn about the connection between Vitamin D and fertility, and how to combat vitamin D insufficiency through lifestyle changes or supplementation.

Vitamin D, also called the sunshine vitamin, is an essential nutrient. It is vital for overall health and affects male and female fertility. This article will explore the connection between Vitamin D and fertility, from how it affects conditions like PCOS and endometriosis to how it impacts general reproductive health. You will also learn how to combat vitamin D insufficiency with lifestyle changes.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that dissolves in fat and comes in two primary forms: vitamin D3 (also called cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (also called ergocalciferol). It can help your body in different ways, such as reducing swelling, strengthening your immune system, and helping your body absorb nutrients better. In addition, some studies suggest that taking enough vitamin D improves a person's chances of having children and healthy reproductive organs.

Experts have established a range for vitamin D levels between adequate and deficient. However, the definition of a "normal" level is still debated. Generally, having levels above 50 nmol/L is good enough for most people. Suppose someone has less than 30 nmol/L of 25(OH)D concentrations in their blood. In that case, it means they don't have enough vitamin D.

To determine your vitamin D status accurately, it is recommended to take a blood test that measures 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels.

What is the connection between Vitamin D and fertility?

Vitamin D plays a vital role in fertility; it affects many parts of the male and female reproductive systems, including the ovaries, endometrium, placenta, and testes. The role of vitamin D is significant since it can influence processes like hormone production, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, and the development of eggs.

For example, fewer babies are born in the winter and more in the spring in countries far away from the equator. Researchers think this might be because vitamin D intake levels change with the seasons and can therefore impact when women are more likely to conceive.

Can Vitamin D improve female fertility?

Research suggests that the positive effects of Vitamin D may extend to pregnancy outcomes. For example, vitamin D helps to produce essential hormones and regulates the secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It also helps move calcium around the placenta and regulates a gene called HOXA10. This gene is crucial for preparing the uterus and endometrium for implantation. Therefore, this risk factor affects pregnancy outcomes if you don't have enough Vitamin D. But don't worry; supplementing with Vitamin D can help when deficiency is present.

How does Vitamin D affect male fertility?

Sufficient Vitamin D levels may play a vital role in improving the quality and motility of sperm. Because of its impact on hormone production, Vitamin D can lead to better sperm quality and movement.

A study suggests vitamin D supplements could improve semen quality. In contrast, another study shows that supplementation with Vitamin D led to significant increases in total testosterone, bioactive testosterone, and testosterone levels.

This suggests that Vitamin D may be a crucial nutrient for men looking to support their reproductive health and improve their chances of conception, especially if facing infertility.

How does Vitamin D affect pregnancy?

Did you know that pregnant and lactating women often don't get enough Vitamin D? This is a problem because newborns rely on their mothers to get this vitamin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not having enough can cause health issues, such as preeclampsia or pregnancy loss. Therefore, mothers must ensure they have enough Vitamin D during this time.

It is common for women to need additional supplements to meet the recommended levels of Vitamin D, and research has shown that taking Vitamin D supplements benefits pregnant women. So if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to talk to your fertility specialist about vitamin D supplements.

Does Vitamin D affect IVF outcomes?

There is inconsistency in the results of studies regarding the correlation between vitamin D and IVF success rates. Nonetheless, some research indicates that elevated levels of vitamin D may enhance the chances of a healthy pregnancy through IVF treatment.

For example, Chu et al. found that women with adequate vitamin D levels were likelier to have a successful clinical pregnancy after embryo transfer. This implies that treating vitamin D deficiency could be important for women considering assisted reproductive technologies.

However, other studies found no significant association between vitamin D and IVF success. At the moment, there isn't enough evidence to determine the impact of vitamin D on women undergoing in-vitro fertilisation treatment.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects 5–10% of women of childbearing age. It is caused by a hormone imbalance in the body, leading to acne, extra hair growth, and irregular periods. PCOS is also associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that vitamin D supplements may enhance insulin resistance sensitivity, increasing the likelihood of conceiving.

A study found that women with PCOS and low vitamin D levels had a much lower chance of having a live birth after fertility treatment. However, when these women took vitamin D supplements, the rate of live births increased. For every 2.5 nmol/L increase in vitamin D levels, the chance of a live birth increased by 2%.

Other research suggests vitamin D supplements can improve menstrual cycles and how the body processes sugar in women with PCOS.

However, more studies are needed to understand how vitamin D affects fertility and reproduction in these women. In addition, it is essential to note that the link between vitamin D, insulin resistance, and obesity in PCOS is not yet fully understood and requires further investigation.

Scientists have been uncovering some fascinating connections between Vitamin D and endometriosis. It all has to do with the fact that the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, contains Vitamin D receptors, as well as the enzymes necessary to produce Vitamin D. This has led researchers to wonder if there might be a relationship between Vitamin D levels in the body and the development of endometriosis. This is an exciting area of study that could have significant implications for women's health.

A study in Iran found that women with a low prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) had a higher chance of developing endometriosis. While some studies on cells and animals suggest that vitamin D supplements might help reduce the growth and spread of endometriotic implants, a meta-analysis of four studies yielded unclear results and showed no significant benefits of supplementation for relieving endometriosis symptoms.

Another study proposes that vitamin D might play a role in developing and treating endometriosis, acting as an immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory agent. However, there is limited concrete evidence to support this theory. In addition, current studies have been small case-control trials, and more clinical trials are needed to understand the relationship between vitamin D levels and endometriosis.

How can I increase my Vitamin D levels?

Get some sun

It's incredible how our bodies can create this crucial nutrient from the sun's UV rays. However, getting enough vitamin D from sunlight alone can be difficult, especially in areas with limited sun exposure during winter. Additionally, people with darker skin may have a reduced ability to produce vitamin D from the sun due to their higher melanin content. It's important to think about other ways to get vitamin D besides the sun, as relying on it alone may lead to a higher chance of vitamin D deficiency.

Adjust your dietary plans

You can find this essential nutrient in various delicious foods, like egg yolks, fish and red meat, fortified fat spreads and breakfast cereals.

Start supplementation

Taking vitamin D supplements is one of the easiest ways to ensure you get enough of this essential nutrient. A study in Switzerland found that it's impossible to get the recommended daily amount of vitamin D from sunlight alone during the fall and winter months. This means supplements are a great way to ensure you get enough vitamin D for overall health and fertility.

Even if you're taking prenatal vitamins, it's possible that you're not getting enough vitamin D. Most prenatal vitamins contain only 400–1,000 IU of vitamin D, which may not be sufficient for women with a vitamin D deficiency. You can take vitamin D alone or as part of a fertility-boosting supplement regimen that includes other essential nutrients. Don't hesitate to learn more about how supplements can help support your reproductive health.

Takeaway

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that our bodies require for good health, and it is especially important during pregnancy. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to conditions that can make it harder to get pregnant, like PCOS and endometriosis. Conversely, having higher vitamin D levels can boost your chances of success with IVF.

Unfortunately, getting enough vitamin D from eating certain foods or spending time in the sun is not always easy. Doctors sometimes recommend taking vitamin D supplements if your levels are low, especially if you're considering getting pregnant or starting fertility treatments. Your healthcare team can help determine your proper dosage based on your bloodwork.

Our dedicated fertility care team at Cada can help you figure out if you need vitamin D supplementation, or give you information about other supplements that might be useful. Reserve your spot for a free consultation now.