Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems. The main cause of vitamin D deficiency is lack of adequate sunlight. For most people, the sun is the main source of vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children and precipitate or worsen osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures in adults. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with an increased risk of common cancers, autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure, and infections.
Recent studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may also play an important role in infertility: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is also associated with reproductive complications in women, may be exacerbated by vitamin D deficiency.
Meanwhile, in men, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to poor sperm quality and infertility, and research suggests that vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy sperm production and function.
A study published in the journal Nutrients in 2022 found that the degree of vitamin D deficiency correlated with the severity of PCOS.
According to the latest Central and Eastern European expert consensus statement, women planning pregnancy should start or continue vitamin D supplementation as recommended for healthy adults without other risk factors.
Meanwhile, supplementation should be continued during pregnancy and breastfeeding to achieve and maintain optimal vitamin D levels (30-50 ng/mL or 75-125 nmol/L 25(OH)-vitamin D).
Another study published in the journal Human Reproduction in 2018 found that women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) who had adequate vitamin D levels were more likely to have a positive pregnancy test, become pregnant, and have a higher live birth rate than women with lower vitamin levels.
A 2010 study noted that boosting vitamin D levels may increase testosterone levels in men. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, adults should take 800-1000 IU of vitamin D3 per day. If your vitamin D levels are deficient, you can take higher doses of vitamin D3.
