Effects of Vitamin D on Fertility, Pregnancy and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-A Review

Nutrients. 2022 Apr 15;14(8):1649. doi: 10.3390/nu14081649.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine reproductive disorders in women. Vitamin D deficiency is also quite common in this condition. The degree of vitamin D deficiency correlates with the severity of PCOS. Both male and female vitamin D levels play a role in fertility and affect the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Moreover, fertility and IVF indicators are improved by vitamin D not only in healthy women but in those diagnosed with PCOS. Both vitamin D deficiency and PCOS increase pregnancy-related complications. Vitamin D supplementation and optimal vitamin D levels decrease both maternal and fetal risk for complications and adverse events. Furthermore, vitamin D supplementation may ameliorate or even prevent pregnancy-related reversible bone loss in mothers. This review emphasizes the roles of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D supplementation and their correlation with PCOS regarding reproductive health.

Keywords: PCOS; female fertility; in vitro fertilization; male fertility; polycystic ovary syndrome; pregnancy; reproductive health; vitamin D; vitamin D deficiency; vitamin D supplementation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / complications
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin D Deficiency* / complications
  • Vitamin D Deficiency* / drug therapy
  • Vitamins

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D