Apart from the well known effects of vitamin D on maintaining calcium homeostasis and promoting bone mineralization, there is some evidence suggesting that vitamin D also modulates human reproductive processes. Researchers have reviewed the most interesting and relevant studies on vitamin D and female fertility published over the past year.

In the past year, several observational studies reported a better in-vitro fertilization outcome in women with sufficient vitamin D levels ( greater than or equal to 30  ng/ml ), which was mainly attributed to vitamin D effects on the endometrium.

One randomized controlled trial found an increased endometrial thickness in women with polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ) receiving vitamin D during intrauterine insemination cycles.

Further, vitamin D supplementation had a beneficial effect on serum lipids in PCOS women.

Vitamin D treatment improved endometriosis in a rat model and increased vitamin D intake was related to a decreased risk of incident endometriosis.

Vitamin D was also favorably associated with primary dysmenorrhea, uterine leiomyoma, and ovarian reserve in late reproductive aged women.

In women undergoing in-vitro fertilization, a sufficient vitamin D level ( greater than or equal to 30  ng/ml ) should be obtained.
Vitamin D supplementation might improve metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
A high vitamin D intake might be protective against endometriosis. ( Xagena )

Lerchbaum E, Rabe T, Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2014;26:145-150

XagenaMedicine2014