Photo: EYECCD, Flickr
Most people already know that consuming ample amounts of vitamin D has lasting benefits, including bone health. But it turns out it could also increase your chances getting pregnant.
The European Journal of Endocrinology published a study which was aimed to consolidate the results of other studies regarding vitamin D and fertility. Looking at several years of research by other institutions and scientists led them to draw positive links between the two, along with other fertility-boosting vitamins. This body of research is rather remarkable and may give couples looking to boost their chances to conceive naturally reason to read on.
Vitamin D and fertility in men and women
The studies examined showed that vitamin D is present in the reproductive tissues of both men and women. In the mice studied, low levels of vitamin D resulted in decreased sperm counts and slower motility. In the female mice, the presence of vitamin D seemed to decrease the instances of “polycystic ovarian syndrome,” obesity, and metabolic disorders. When mice were observed who had normal levels of vitamin D, males had higher testosterone levels and females had a lower incidence of endometriosis.
Optimum nutrition can provide vitamin D, in addition to healthy exposure to sunlight. When trying to conceive, both men and women should make sure that as part of a whole foods, well-rounded diet, they’re including the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D.
Other vitamins to consider
There are other vitamins which you will encounter like vitamins C, E, and selenium. These are known fertility boosters as all three help both sexes. Vitamin C is especially helpful to men in that it boosts both sperm quality and count. Men are generally advised to take 1,000 mgs of vitamin C twice daily to achieve maximum effectiveness. Women should pay attention to vitamin C for its immune system benefits as well. When a body isn’t busy fighting off viruses and infections, it’s more free to allocate resources to reproductive health.
Vitamin E and the mineral selenium (which is an antioxidant and preserves tissue elasticity), in addition to promoting quality sperm, also helps to boost the quality of semen in men. Semen quality is just as important as cervical mucus in terms of paving the way for sperm to find the egg. Small changes in your diet can have a big impact on the inner workings of your reproductive system. In women, vitamin E and selenium have been shown to help in quality cervical mucus production. You can find vitamin E in leafy, green vegetables, watercress and wheat germ.
It doesn’t have to be difficult to nudge up your intake of some of the important fertility boosters. After all, a picnic on a sunny day which includes a salad with citrus dressing just hit all the bases. In addition to the powerful nutritional value, you’ll also spend some quality time with the person you care about most.
About Liz Alfano
I write "Dirty Words," the blog about things you should know, but might not. I'm the mother of two elementary school-aged boys and wife of one adult aged man. When not writing, I can be found reading or staring into space wishing I was either reading or writing. Sometimes I'm seen vacuuming...but not often. www.mydirtywords.com
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