What is the importance of Vitamin D in fertility? What are the best sources? How can you test your Vitamin D levels? We answer your questions.
Why is Vitamin D relevant in fertility testing?
Testing for vitamin D deficiency, thyroid problems and rubella immunity, and then acting on the results, is a good step to take to improve both male and female fertility and optimise your chances of conceiving.
What is the importance of vitamin D, thyroid health, and rubella immunity when trying to conceive?
Trying to conceive can be a stressful and challenging time for some couples, especially as around 1 in 7 couples may struggle to get pregnant. A fertility health check can help you take back some control by providing you with key information about your health, particularly factors that we know can directly impact fertility, including your vitamin D levels, thyroid health, and rubella immunity.
What is the role of Vitamin D in fertility?
Vitamin D is not only essential for keeping bones and muscles healthy and for supporting immunity, it also regulates a number of important bodily functions, including those related to fertility. Both men and women seeking to conceive should pay close attention to their vitamin D levels, as research suggests a compelling connection between this essential nutrient and the ability to conceive.
In female fertility, vitamin D plays a pivotal role in the production of sex hormones and supports the menstrual cycle. Having good vitamin D levels can have a strong and positive impact on fertility, improving your chances of both conceiving and staying pregnant. Research shows that women with better vitamin D levels have reduced risk of miscarriage and better rates of conception during IVF.
In male fertility, vitamin D has been shown to have a positive impact on sperm health – particularly semen quality and motility.
What are some key sources of vitamin D?
The main source of vitamin D is sunlight, however it’s hard to get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone in the UK, particularly during autumn and winter. In fact, around 1 in 6 adults in the UK have low vitamin D levels as a result.
Some foods like eggs, oily fish, red meat and liver contain small amounts of vitamin D, but it is a good idea to increase your vitamin D intake with the help of dietary supplements.
How do you test your vitamin D levels?
Testing your vitamin D levels will help to identify potential deficiencies. Armed with this knowledge, a qualified healthcare professional, such as a registered nutritional therapist, can help you in crafting a suitable and safe supplementation plan tailored to your individual needs.
For more information, book a consultation, or schedule an informal chat about your personal situation with an experienced member of our admin team. You can also call us on (UK) 0203 773 5311.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6210343/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7076312/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28667465/
https://www.nutrition.org.uk/news/2021/british-nutrition-foundation-survey-reveals-49-adults-unaware-of-uk-government-guidelines-for-vitamin-d/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7605301/
https://www.btf-thyroid.org/pregnancy-and-fertility-in-thyroid-disorders
