Objective: Previous systematic reviews of the effects of vitamin D on the components of male fertility have been inconclusive. This article systematically reviews the latest research to examine the relationship between vitamin D, semen quality parameters, and sex hormones production.
Methods: MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched using the appropriate keywords.
Results: Observational studies indicate significant correlation between vitamin D levels and sperm parameters, with a particular emphasis on sperm motility, and partially suggest a relationship between higher serum testosterone and vitamin D levels. Additionally, interventional studies confirmed that vitamin D supplementation has a positive effect on sperm motility, especially progressive. However, most randomized clinical trials indicate that vitamin D treatment does not have any significant effect on testosterone or other hormone levels.
Conclusions: Although our findings add to the discussion regarding the effect of vitamin D on male fertility, there is still no solid evidence to support the use of vitamin D supplementation to improve the outcomes of patients with impaired sperm parameters and hormonal disorders. Additional dedicated clinical studies are needed to clarify the relationship between vitamin D and male fertility, along with its components.
Keywords: male fertility; semen quality; sex hormones; supplementation; vitamin D.