Berla Fertility and IVF, reproductive expert Dr. Shilpa Singhal at Dwarka says, “While its importance for calcium metabolism and bone health is well known, vitamin D is equally important for reproduction.” “Vitamin D receptors are present in the ovaries, testes, and placenta, as well as present in major areas of the brain such as the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which control reproductive hormones. Its deficiency can be interrupted by hormone balance, eggs and sperm production, quality of fetal and even uterine transplantation.

This silent shortage is widespread. A study published in the International Journal of Reproduction, Contrastation, Obstitrix and Gynecology has shown that 64% of Indian women have vitamin D deficiency. It is particularly prevalent in women with PCOS, where it is associated with irregular cycles and hormonal imbalances. However, studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation can improve insulin resistance, control menstruation, support egg maturity and even reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Dr. Singhal says, “In men, low levels of vitamin D are associated with a decrease in sperm mobility. Supplementation, especially in old men, shows improvement in both sperm number and quality.”

The more worrying thing is that the condition of maternal vitamin D can affect the health of future generations. The findings of the Maasthi Birth Group in Bangalore have shown that 77.4% pregnant women had vitamin D deficiency – those women had three times more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Dr. Singhal believes that “the decrease during pregnancy is also associated with complications like high blood pressure, premature birth and low weight, and the child may be at risk of life -threatening conditions such as neurodeaval disorders such as type 1 or 2 diabetes, asthma or autism, and schizophrenia.” Dr. Singhal says, “Vitamin D levels are inadequate in about 80% of adults worldwide, so its implications are important for fertility and difference-generated health.” “Before conception and ensuring optimal vitamin D levels during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a simple but powerful intervention. Now the time has come for us to move beyond considering vitamin D as vitamin for bones and identify its important role in fertility and future health.”