Micah Stanley
Studies were presented at the European Endocrinology Congress in London showing that vitamin D is very important for fertility, both male and female. The fact that vitamin D can increase testosterone levels in men who previously suffered from vitamin D deficiency was already known. The new studies have now revealed even more links between vitamin D and human fertility. In the case of fertility problems, the vitamin D level should therefore always be considered.
Vitamin D promotes fertility
Vitamin D is a hormone produced in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Only a few foods contain relevant amounts of vitamin D so the majority of the required vitamin D has to be produced by the body itself. The effect of vitamin D on bone metabolism is particularly well known. Osteoporosis therapy therefore usually includes a vitamin D preparation in combination with calcium.
In the meantime, however, we know that vitamin D has completely different effects. It is prescribed for diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases because of its anti-inflammatory and regulating effects. The vitamin also regulates the immune system, relieves pain, and – as we now know – has a fertility-enhancing effect.
Vitamin D increases testosterone levels
Up to 80 percent of the European population is said to suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. People who prefer a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle are particularly affected. In most cases, they are overweight at the same time. The greater the obesity, the lower the vitamin D level. In the case of vitamin D deficiency, weight control should therefore always be considered.
If a man has a vitamin D deficiency at the same time as a low testosterone level, then vitamin D supplements can increase the testosterone level and thus improve the fertility of the man. It was even found that the testosterone level correlates directly with the vitamin D level, which means that the higher the vitamin D level, the higher the testosterone level. We reported on this connection here: Vitamin D increases testosterone levels
Vitamin D and its influence on fertility
In recent years, female fertility has fallen sharply, and male semen quality has also steadily deteriorated. The causes of this phenomenon could rarely be determined. 10 to 15 percent of all couples who want to have children are infertile – and up to 10 percent of all women of reproductive age suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a chronic hormone disorder that can be associated with infertility.
dr Elisabeth Lerchbaum from the Medical University of Graz has already conducted numerous studies to determine the effect of vitamin D on various aspects of male and female fertility. She discovered that vitamin D can have a very positive effect on fertility in both sexes:
- In men, for example, it not only increases testosterone levels, but also the production and maturation of sperm.
- In women, the vitamin regulates the menstrual cycle and promotes the maturation of the egg cells and the development of the lining of the uterus so that the embryo can implant itself.
- The production of sex hormones – in men and women – is also increased by the sun’s vitamin.
- With in vitro fertilization (IVF), success increases when the vitamin D level is high enough, so couples who want to fulfill their desire to have children in this way should always keep an eye on their vitamin D levels.
- With PCOS and also with endometriosis (another factor that can reduce fertility) there are already positive findings regarding vitamin D.
Therapy to increase fertility: Vitamin D is an important component
Of course, further high-quality randomized and controlled studies are needed to find out exactly how and in what dose vitamin D can increase fertility and hormone production,” says Dr. Lechbaum If vitamin D is taken into account, this could result in completely new treatment options.”
Of course, vitamin D deficiency is not the only cause of reduced fertility. In any case, it should be part of a therapy to increase fertility.
