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The journey of IVF is not only physically but emotionally and financially taxing.
Adopting the Mediterranean-style diet, regularly exercising, getting 8 hours of sleep and limiting stress are all important factors for improving our health and well-being.
Every IVFer knows that we don’t just move when we walk! We also rattle with all the supplements and meds we consume and carry!
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But another important factor is Vitamin D – So, what role does Vitamin D play in fertility?
According to UK statistics, 60% of the Great British population are deficient in Vitamin D. By deficient, that means that their Vitamin D levels are below 25ng/ml.
That’s a significant amount!
Therefore, the topic needs to be addressed.
The role of Vitamin D in bone health is a well-known fact, however, the importance of Vitamin D to support a fertility journey is not always made clear.
Interestingly, women with optimal Vitamin D levels have a considerably greater success rate with IVF treatment.
The general symptoms to look for with Vitamin D deficiency include:
- fatigue
- body aches
- bone pain
- disturbed sleep
- depression
- weakness of muscles
- loss of appetite.
How does Vitamin D affect success rates in IVF?
Improving Vitamin D levels can impact the quality of eggs and the lining of the uterus (womb) called the endometrium.
☀ Vit D affects the production of the hormone, oestrogen.
☀ Optimum levels of oestrogen are necessary for the thickening of the endometrium for the implantation of the fertilised embryo in the uterus (womb).
☀ Women undergoing IVF are usually put on some sort of oestrogen supplementation before the embryo transfer.
☀ Vit D assists in the production of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) which is a direct measure of a woman’s ovarian reserve and egg quality.
☀ A low AMH level can result in a low egg count.
The role of Vitamin D in IVF is evident in much research and therefore Vitamin D supplementation plays a vital role in IVF success rates. 👍🏾
NHS suggests 400 units (10 micrograms) per day for women trying to conceive. High doses may be considered if diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency.
Sources of Vitamin D:
Sunlight is the main source of Vit D production in the skin.
Other natural food sources include:
🍴Cod liver Oil
🍴Salmon
🍴Tuna
🍴Beef liver
🍴Fortified dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt.
🍴Egg yolks
If you’re about to start or are currently on your IVF journey, remember to discuss Vitamin D blood testing at your next fertility appointment.
Vitamin D supplements and lovely rich Vitamin D foods are a great way of adding Vit D to your IVF Journey.
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