Understanding Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that primarily aids in calcium absorption and bone health. It is commonly known as the “sunshine vitamin” because your skin can also produce it when exposed to sunlight. Beyond its role in bone health, research has unveiled a multitude of other functions and potential health benefits, including a link to fertility.

The Connection: Vitamin D and Fertility

Several studies have suggested that vitamin D may play a significant role in fertility. Here are some key aspects of this relationship:

Vitamin D and PCOS

PCOS is a common cause of female infertility. Multiple studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and PCOS. For women with PCOS and vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation may help normalize vitamin D levels and improve insulin sensitivity, glucose level, and hormonal functionality.

Vitamin D and miscarriage

The research also found an association between vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency and miscarriage. The most recent review of scientific publications on that topic found that women with vitamin D deficiency have an increased risk of miscarriage. The authors haven’t found sufficient evidence to show that vitamin D supplementation can decrease the risk of pregnancy loss.

Vitamin D and IVF

While there is no consensus on the effect of vitamin D on IVF outcomes, multiple studies show the benefits of normal levels of Vitamin D on IVF results. In this study of 132 women, those who met vitamin D everyday requirement (10 mg/day) and with sufficient levels of 25(OH)D ( vitamin D consumed from food) of over 50 nmol/L had much higher clinical pregnancy rate (64.3%) compared to those who had vitamin D deficiency.

Another meta-analysis showed that infertile women with vitamin D deficiency had significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates when receiving vitamin D supplementation.