Chances are you have heard about the benefits of adequate vitamin D – from heart health to diabetes to decreased belly fat. But do vitamin D levels affect fertility, especially for men? The Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, recently reviewed 30 years of research involving vitamin D and human reproduction. They found evidence for a “favorable effect of vitamin D supplementation on semen quality, testosterone concentrations, and fertility outcomes.” The bad news: some studies have reported that most people, especially men, run low in vitamin D. The leading factors include aging, limited sun exposure, and/or certain cholesterol drugs.If a man suspects he has a fertility problem he should talk to his doctor about running a blood test to measure his serum 25(OH) D concentration to determine if he is D deficient. A serum level of 30 ng/mL is considered “acceptable” although some studies have shown higher benefits in the 50-70 ng/mL range.
The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) of vitamin D for most people is 600 IU. How much should you take to reach serum 25 (OH) D levels? It is quite easy. For every 1ng/mL that you need to bump up, you require an additional 100 IU of vitamin D per day.“I tell my fertility challenged patients we have an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency in adults residing in the U.S.” says Dr. Scott Roseff, a board certified reproductive endocrinologist/infertility specialist at IVFMD in Boca Raton, Florida. Dr. Roseff finds that vitamin D deficiency can be responsible for over 200 different diseases and can also play a role in both male and female fertility success.Supplements are an easy way to get more D. If your doctor advises you to take one, look for Vitamin D-3, which has shown to raise the levels more effectively than D-2. Equally important is to take it with your biggest meal as this increase its absorption by 50%, according to a study from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Bone Clinic.Besides supplements, you can increase your vitamin D levels with foods such as egg yolk, salmon, fortified milk, yogurt, and cheese. Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” because your body can get it from the sun. And while some sun exposure (about 10 minutes) can complement your vitamin D diet and supplements, relying too much on sunlight may increase your risk of skin cancer. It’s often safer to stick with supplements and food.Be aware that too much vitamin D can increase one’s risk of heart and liver issues. However, if the “boys” need some help, a little extra D may do the trick.About the Authors
Marta Montenegro, MF, MS, CSCS, SFN, NSCA-CPT
Nutrition Specialist | Exercise Physiologist | IVFMD Lifestyles Consultant
Adjunct Professor in Exercise & Sports Sciences at FIU
Scott Roseff, MD, FACOG
Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine – IVFMD.com
Boca Raton, FL
