What You Need To Know About The Link Between Vitamin D and Fertility
Not many realize that a vitamin synonymous with sunny days can be an ally in the journey toward pregnancy, but it’s true! In fact, the medical and scientific communities have firmly established a link between Vitamin D and fertility.
The “sunshine vitamin,” as it’s called, is absorbed by your skin naturally upon exposure to sunlight and is already well-known for its role in bone health and immune function. However, recent research has shed new light on its influence on fertility, both for females and males!
It’s estimated that over 40% of adults living in the U.S. are deficient in Vitamin D, which is no mere vitamin but rather a pro-hormone that actively plays a pivotal role in reproductive health. You may be at risk of Vitamin D insufficiency if you avoid the sun, have milk allergies, or maintain a consistent vegan diet.
Whether you’re a woman trying to conceive or a man aiming to boost your reproductive health, understanding the link between Vitamin D and fertility could be a game-changer in your journey towards starting or growing your family. In this blog, we’ll look closer at the link between Vitamin D and fertility by explaining the effects of low vitamin D, how vitamin D helps fertility, and looking at the recommended doses of vitamin D.
Effects Of Low Vitamin D
Effects of low vitamin D have been linked to the following:
- Increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease
- Cognitive impairment in elderly people
- Severe asthma in children
- Different types of cancer
- Rickets-like condition, where bone tissue does not mineralize correctly, causes bones to become soft and abnormalities to occur.
More studies indicate the critical significance of vitamin D, including the prevention of various diseases like type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosis.
The Relationship Between Low Vitamin D and Fertility
Vitamin D has been suggested as a hidden factor in the success of solving fertility issues. In fact, when it comes to low Vitamin D and fertility, many studies have now shown that vitamin D blood levels are related to live birth rates in women receiving reproductive treatments, with levels of 20 ng/mL or lower showing a 68% probability of ovulation, levels between 20 – 30 ng/mL at 77%, and over 30 ng/mL equating to a 78% probability of ovulation.
The relationship between low Vitamin D and fertility can affect men as well as women, specifically as it relates to sperm quality and testosterone levels. Higher Vitamin D levels have been shown to play a role in both the motility and morphology of sperm, impacting the shape and structure of sperm, as well as its ability to swim towards the egg. In addition, low Vitamin D can affect fertility by lowering testosterone levels, which can affect libido, sperm production, and overall sexual health.
How Does Vitamin D Help Fertility?
Vitamin D, known as calcitriol in its active state, actually provides a variety of functions in female reproduction.
When calcitriol binds to its receptor, it regulates the genes that control estrogen production. The uterine lining produces calcitriol in response to the embryo’s entry into the uterine cavity just before implantation. Calcitriol acts as a transcription factor that controls several genes involved in embryo implantation.
After pregnancy occurs, the uterus and placenta continue to produce calcitriol, which helps organize immune cells in the uterus, allowing for the treatment of infections without harming the fetus. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with various pregnancy complications, including gestational hypertension and diabetes.
According to recent research, women with greater vitamin D levels were substantially more likely to achieve pregnancy through IVF than women with lower vitamin D levels. Thus, it is beneficial for both mom and baby to continue taking vitamin D supplements when pregnant. Vitamin D supplementation of 2,000–4,000 IU per day has been proven to be safe and effective in maintaining a normal vitamin D level in pregnant women and avoiding vitamin D insufficiency in infants.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Fertility: What Can Be Done
To improve bone health, the Institute of Medicine increased the recommended dietary intake (RDA) of vitamin D to 600 international units (IU) for all people between 1 and 70 years old and 800 IU for persons over age 70. Additionally, the safe upper limit was increased to 4,000 IU.
Regardless of the possible link between vitamin D and fertility, patients should be educated on the need of adequate vitamin D intake for general health benefits, which include bone health, pregnancy health, and risk reduction for chronic illness.
Yadtech provides the vitamins you need. For example, we offer FERTIL PRO® Women: A vitamin supplement for women that contains vitamin D3. You can check out the related studies that testify to the need for this vitamin under the product’s page. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.