Vitamin D - Can It Increase Your Chance of IVF Success!

Vitamin D is present in the skin and is considered to be a steroid hormone that is found in fortified foods and sun exposure. For years, it has been associated with bone health, but recent studies have revealed that it plays a major hand in mammal fertility as well. Research conducted by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has shown that Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in IVF procedures. It not only helps to produce good quality embryos, but also increases the success rate of implantation dramatically.

Study 1: Researchers followed 154 women who were vitamin D deficient and 181 women who had sufficient levels of vitamin D in their blood. The women who had sufficient vitamin D were nearly twice as likely to conceive through their IVF cycle as their deficient counterparts. Women who had vitamin D levels of at least 20 ng/ml in their blood were considered to have sufficient levels of the hormone. Levels of 30 ng/ml are recommended for general health.

Could Vitamin D also contribute to IVF success?

While the role of vitamin D infertility is less certain, an Italian study published in 2014 found that women undergoing IVF treatment with sufficient levels of vitamin D were more likely to produce high quality embryos, and nearly twice as likely to become pregnant. Although the researchers stated further studies were needed, the results indicated that low levels of vitamin D could contribute to infertility. 

More recently, 11,500 women were evaluated in a European study examining the effect of the environment (temperature, rain and sunshine) on the outcomes of IVF treatment. The study found the birth rate improved for women exposed to more sunshine the month before the start of their IVF cycle, while the egg was maturing.

For the men, a link between vitamin D and sperm movement and function has also been identified.

What role does vitamin D play in pregnancy?

Vitamin D plays an important role in ensuring that the body has enough amount of calcium to conceive. For women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding, calcium ensures that the baby’s immune system and bones are strongly formed. Deficiency of vitamin D can lead to gestational diabetes in pregnant women.

Sources of vitamin D: Although the sun is the best source of vitamin D in an individual, it is recommended not to rely on it totally. Overexposure to sun rays can lead to skin cancer. Some food items from where the requisite amount of vitamin D can be obtained include eggs, dairy products, fatty fish etc. People who are critically deficient in vitamin D can go for vitamin D supplements.

Other lifestyle improvements for your fertility

While the importance of vitamin D in pregnancy and its link to IVF outcomes certainly gives couples something to think about, don’t overlook the well-established health and lifestyle improvements you can make to boost your natural fertility including quitting smoking, consuming alcohol in moderation, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

If you are undergoing fertility treatment, your fertility specialist will likely have already organised a vitamin D blood test. For all other women trying to conceive, consult your IVF specialist for more information.