Panagiotis Anagnostis1, Spyridon Karras, Dimitrios G Goulis. 1. Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Special attention has been given to the effect of vitamin D supplementation on fertility outcomes in both sexes. AIMS: The purpose of this narrative review was to elucidate the role of vitamin D in male and female reproduction, providing current evidence from both animal and human studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using PubMed and Medline, we searched for publications during the last 30 years regarding the role of vitamin D in human reproduction. RESULTS: Accumulating evidence from animal and human studies suggests that vitamin D is involved in many functions of the reproductive system in both genders. In women, vitamin D status has been associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome, features of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Although several data converge towards a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation in metabolic disturbances in women with PCOS, a significant knowledge gap precludes the establishment of a clear cause-effect relationship. In men, vitamin D status has been associated with semen quality and sperm count, motility and morphology. There is evidence for a favourable effect of vitamin D supplementation on semen quality, testosterone concentrations and fertility outcomes. DISCUSSION: Studies with superior methodological characteristics are needed in order to establish a role for vitamin D on the treatment of female and male infertility. CONCLUSIONS: Recent data on vitamin D provide new insights in the complex pathogenesis and treatment of infertility.
BACKGROUND: Special attention has been given to the effect of vitamin D supplementation on fertility outcomes in both sexes. AIMS: The purpose of this narrative review was to elucidate the role of vitamin D in male and female reproduction, providing current evidence from both animal and human studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using PubMed and Medline, we searched for publications during the last 30 years regarding the role of vitamin D in human reproduction. RESULTS: Accumulating evidence from animal and human studies suggests that vitamin D is involved in many functions of the reproductive system in both genders. In women, vitamin D status has been associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome, features of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Although several data converge towards a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation in metabolic disturbances in women with PCOS, a significant knowledge gap precludes the establishment of a clear cause-effect relationship. In men, vitamin D status has been associated with semen quality and sperm count, motility and morphology. There is evidence for a favourable effect of vitamin D supplementation on semen quality, testosterone concentrations and fertility outcomes. DISCUSSION: Studies with superior methodological characteristics are needed in order to establish a role for vitamin D on the treatment of female and male infertility. CONCLUSIONS: Recent data on vitamin D provide new insights in the complex pathogenesis and treatment of infertility.
Authors: S Jafari-Sfidvajani; R Ahangari; M Hozoori; H Mozaffari-Khosravi; H Fallahzadeh; A Nadjarzadeh Journal: J Endocrinol Invest Date: 2017-11-06 Impact factor: 4.256
Authors: Geetha Chittoor; Nicholas M Pajewski; V Saroja Voruganti; Anthony G Comuzzie; Thomas B Clarkson; Matthew Nudy; Peter F Schnatz; Jay R Kaplan; Matthew J Jorgensen Journal: Am J Phys Anthropol Date: 2015-12-28 Impact factor: 2.868