By: Tammy Enders, RN, BCN, OCN
Low levels of Vitamin D are connected with infertility in both men and women. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that has been shown to have an impact in IVF outcomes, endometriosis and PCOS in women. Women who have the appropriate amount are more likely to conceive or even produce higher quality embryos if underdoing IVF. In men, Vitamin D is essential for the development of the nucleus of the sperm, and this can help maintain sperm quality and count.
The cheapest and easiest way to boost your Vitamin D level is with exposure to sunlight, but this needs to be done safely to reduce the risk of developing certain skin cancers. Some foods such as oily fish and eggs are rich in Vitamin D, but it is difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of supplementation thru diet alone.
The recommended doses for Vitamin D supplementation are as follows:
- Vitamin D Deficiency (a 25(OH)D level below 20)- 50,000 iu orally weekly x 8 weeks
- Vitamin D Insufficiency (a 25(OH)D level of 21-29)- 2000 iu orally each day
- Pregnant and Lactating females- 600 iu orally each day
Infertility can be challenging and expensive, but checking your Vitamin D level and taking the appropriate supplemented amount is an inexpensive intervention that may lead to greater success in your journey towards parenthood.