Can vitamin D deficiency lead to infertility?

While vitamin D is well recognized for being essential for the growth of bones by assisting the body in absorbing calcium, you may be surprised to learn that it can also affect your immune system, heart health, digestion, and even your ability to conceive. Here are some potential effects of vitamin D on fertility along with tips for ensuring you obtain the recommended daily intake to ensure not only healthy bones but also your fertility.

Vitamin D and female fertility and pregnancy

According to Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi, "Vitamin D is an emerging factor that significantly influences fertility. Studies have shown that a lack of vitamin D often reduces pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF. Adequate vitamin D levels lead to higher quality egg production and more successful embryo implantation compared to women who are deficient in vitamin D. Additionally, the ovarian reserve is notably lower in women with vitamin D deficiency".

Research found that women who had lower levels of vitamin D had more difficulty becoming pregnant naturally. Furthermore, the stakes may be higher when in vitro fertilization (IVF) is required for conception. Higher rates of live births, simpler conception, and more positive pregnancy tests were observed in women using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) with appropriate vitamin D levels than in women with lower vitamin levels, according to research.
If your vitamin D levels aren't within normal ranges, you may experience issues if you're already pregnant.



According to research, women with low vitamin D levels during pregnancy experienced higher rates of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure than women with normal vitamin D levels. Another research shows that pregnant women with insufficient vitamin D levels experienced a higher risk of preterm delivery and small-for-gestational age babies—those who are born weighing less than the 10th percentile—than those with adequate vitamin D.

Vitamin D and male fertility
High levels of Vitamin D have been associated with enhanced semen quality and sperm motility in males. Studies have indicated that males who consume more vitamin D may have an increase in the calcium content of their sperm. The motility of sperm is thus enhanced by the elevated calcium levels. Additionally, studies have also shown that motility of sperm and the quantity of motile spermatozoa overall may be affected in presence of vitamin D deficiency in males. Thus, preventing a vitamin D deficiency may aid in boosting male fertility.

How to Increase Your Vitamin D Levels

Enjoy some sun: One of the best sources of vitamin D is from the sun. Seek out regular exposure to sunshine for 10 minutes or more, especially if you have darker skin.
• Consume seafood and fatty fish since they contain high levels of vitamin D. Tuna, mackerel, oysters, and salmon are a few examples. Compared to farmed fish, fish harvested from the wild has greater amounts of vitamin D.
• Consume vitamin D-rich foods. These include dairy and plant milks, orange juice, cereals, yogurts, and tofu. These foods are not only rich in vitamin D but also have been supplemented with the sunshine vitamin.
• Supplements: You might need to take extra vitamin D if your food and sunshine aren't enough at times. Before you reach out to pop a pill, do not forget to see your healthcare provider to know the right amount you need to take.