It is widely known and acknowledged how crucial having a sufficient level of vitamin D is, not only during pregnancy, but also when trying to conceive. There have been numerous studies that have shown how much of a detrimental effect low vitamin D levels have when trying to fall pregnant. In fact, a recent study this year revealed that simply consuming Vitamin D for approximately 6 weeks prior to ICSI will improve the quality of the endometrium, and subsequently the rates of clinical pregnancy.
Research out of the University of Birmingham in 2017 found that women who had sufficient levels of vitamin D were almost 34% more likely to achieve a positive pregnancy and a further 46% more were likely to have a clinical pregnancy than women who had low levels of serum vitamin D.
Another study published back in 2012 revealed that women who had sufficient vitamin D levels were nearly twice as likely to conceive in comparison to women who had decreased levels of vitamin D. This may be due to the effect vitamin D has on egg quality. Research has revealed that vitamin D has become an emerging factor that impacts female fertility and will influence IVF outcomes by affecting egg quality, maturity, assist in regulating ovulation in patients with ovulation disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in men it can help improve the quality of sperm.
Fertility First has recognised for over 10 years, the importance of sufficient vitamin D levels in both our male and female patients trying to conceive. As a result, our clinic will routinely test the vitamin D levels in all our patients as part of our preliminary assessment.
Foods that are rich sources of vitamin D include oily fish such as tuna and salmon, cheese, egg yolks, mushrooms and orange juice.