Vitamin D & Fertility Benefits

This blog is supported by our readers and contains affiliate links. If you purchase a recommendation using the article links, we may earn compensation. As an acupuncturist and integrative health practitioner, I recommend products to my patients following extensive research and clinical use. I am not compensated for endorsing these products and the opinions written in this article are my own. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn compensation from qualifying book purchases. OMBE Integrative Health Center is an independently owned company located in the South Shore of Massachusetts.

Research has shown that optimal Vitamin D levels are an important factor for fertility and women’s health. In women, Vitamin D receptors are present in the ovaries, uterus, and placenta. The active form of Vitamin D (calcitriol) has many roles during female reproduction.

Bound to its receptor, calcitriol is able to control genes involved in embryo implantation. During pregnancy, the uterus and placenta continue to make calcitriol helping to fight infections. Similar to the benefits of Vitamin K2 for fertility, Vitamin D plays an important role for women trying to conceive.

Vitamin D & Natural Fertility

In the United States, approximately 42% of all Americans are considered to have deficient Vitamin D levels. In a study of women ages 30-44, a 10-point increase in Vitamin D levels was associated with a 20% increase in the ability to conceive.

Optimal Vitamin D levels have also been associated with decreased endometriosis symptoms as well as later onset in research. Endometriosis and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) are conditions both commonly linked to infertility. Similar to endometriosis, low Vitamin D levels have been associated with PCOS and associated risk factors.

Since the 1950s, sperm count and other sperm parameters associated with male infertility have been precipitously dropping. Vitamin D supplementation may also be an important factor to consider for male partners given that normal levels have been associated with sperm motility. 

Vitamin D & IVF

What about Vitamin D levels for women undergoing IVF treatment for infertility? Two studies found that Vitamin D supplementation improved reproductive success and IVF outcomes. In summary, women undergoing IVF were significantly more likely to achieve pregnancy than those who were deficient in Vitamin D. Another study showed that women receiving donor eggs were also more likely to achieve pregnancy. This study leads us to believe that Vitamin D plays an important role in the uterine lining and implantation.

Vitamin D & Pregnancy

These studies are encouraging for couples trying to conceive naturally or through IVF. The benefits for Vitamin D and women’s health continue into pregnancy as normal Vitamin D levels are associated with decreased risk for preeclampsia and primary caesarean section.

Additionally, maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels leads to the prevention of a long list of chronic health conditions that most of us would like to avoid. You can learn more about the additional benefits of Vitamin D as well as how to supplement with Vitamin D in our Vitamin D Health Benefits article.

Best Vitamin D Supplement for Fertility

In addition to the benefits of Vitamin D, most of my patients want to understand the best way to supplement with Vitamin D while they are trying to conceive. The best Vitamin D supplement for fertility is Thorne's Liquid Vitamin D* in combination with PureHeart K2D by Pure Encapsulations*. Vitamin K2 is another fat soluble vitamin that works synergistically with Vitamin D in the body. In nature, they are often found together and the best practice is to supplement them together. Additionally, Vitamin K2 has benefits specific to fertility which you can read more about in this article: Vitamin K2 Fertility Benefits.

When you click on Thorne's Liquid Vitamin D*, you will receive 10-20% off Thorne’s online supplement dispensary depending on the type of order you place. When you click on PureHeart K2D by Pure Encapsulations*, you will also receive 10% off all supplement purchases and have access to OMBE’s full online apothecary through Wellevate. Once you create an account, you will find these items at the top of the product page as they are my favorite recommendations for Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D.

The name of this Vitamin K2 supplement suggests that it only benefits the heart. It’s true that Vitamin K2 has a number of heart health benefits at this dosage. However, all Vitamin K2-MK 7 supplements can potentially benefit fertility. This includes PCOS, low sperm count, prenatal health, potentially endometriosis, as well as other women’s health conditions.

The supplement also includes 1000 IUs of Vitamin D which in combination with Thorne's Liquid Vitamin D* is the perfect way to customize your Vitamin D levels for optimal health and fertility. If you would like to learn more about my supplement research and why I have chosen these two products above many others, visit: The Best Vitamin K2 & Vitamin D Supplements.

More About OMBE

OMBE is celebrating 15 years of service in Massachusetts! Additionally, we are now scheduling in-person acupuncture sessions for our South Shore and Cape Cod clients. Telehealth consultations are available for all of our Massachusetts clients living in the Boston area, North Shore, and Western Massachusetts.

Learn more about us, read our organic health philosophy, or schedule an appointment. Contact us for any questions about appointment scheduling, acupuncture services, or integrative medicine. We look forward to hearing from you!

*This blog is supported by our readers and contains affiliate links. If you purchase a recommendation using the article links, we may earn compensation. As an acupuncturist and integrative health practitioner, I recommend products to my patients following extensive research and clinical use. I am not compensated for endorsing these products and the opinions written in this article are my own. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn compensation from qualifying book purchases. OMBE Integrative Health Center is an independently owned company located in the South Shore of Massachusetts.