Private MD News

New study links vitamin D to fertility

Category: Infertility Testing-Male

For men and women who have learned through FSH testing that they may have fertility issues, simply spending a little more time in the sun could help increase their chances of conceiving. A new study has shown that vitamin D is closely linked to fertility in men and women.

The researchers, who hailed from the Medical University Graz in Austria, said that it has been known for some time that there are vitamin D receptors in male and female reproductive organs. However, little was known about the role the nutrient played in sexual health.

For the study, the team reviewed findings from previously conducted studies. These investigations showed that male mice bred to lack vitamin D receptors have lower sperm counts, while females have insufficient ovary function. Furthermore, studies in humans have shown that vitamin D deficiency can cause metabolic disruptions that decrease the odds of conception.

The team concluded that vitamin D supplementation may lead to better hormone regulation, which may help boost a couple's chances of conception. Furthermore, spending a couple of extra minutes per day in the sun may help stimulate the production of the nutrient in the body.