Vitamin Deficiency and Its Effects on Male and Female Fertility

There are several causes of infertility in men and women. It can be due to age, infections, hormonal imbalance, poor diet, stress, and excessive drinking. The one cause that people mostly ignore is their diet, especially Vitamin intake. Vitamins directly impact men's and women's fertility, which reduces their capacity to procreate as a couple.?

It's critical to realize that vitamins can affect the entire reproductive cycle. A vitamin's levels at different process stages, from ovulation to fertilization to delivery, can cause distinct impacts. Therefore, it's critical to consider the bigger picture when examining how, when, and why a particular vitamin may affect fertility.

Vitamin-Related Fertility Facts

• If a person's serum 25(OH)D level is below 30nmol/L, they are at a high risk of Vitamin D deficiency.
• More than 2 billion of the world’s population is estimated to be vitamin D deficient.
• Numerous studies have demonstrated a connection between female fertility, successful pregnancy outcomes, and vitamin D and vitamin B12? levels.
• It has been stated that vitamin supplements enhance female and male fertility.?
• Research has indicated a correlation between sperm motility and production and vitamin D levels.

Which Vitamins are Essential for Fertility?

Anybody who wants to stay healthy must consume vitamins. Vitamins affect the synthesis of steroid hormones, their metabolism, and the action of hormone receptors, affecting many important physiological systems, including the reproductive system.?

Here are some of the vitamins that are essential for fertility in men and women.?

Vitamin D - Calciferol?

A lack of vitamin D has been connected to several problems with the reproductive system, including infertility. According to research, men's and women's bodies produce reproductive hormones with enough vitamin D.

In men, low vitamin D has been linked to lower testosterone levels and impaired sperm motility, whereas in women, it can cause irregular menstruation and damage to the ovaries.

• Vitamin D Deficiency Results:?

Infertility in both men and women has been linked to low vitamin D levels. Men who are vitamin D deficient may have less concentrated and motile sperm. It might interfere with hormone balance and upset the menstrual cycle in women, which could have an impact on ovulation.

• Sources of Vitamin D:

Canned Tuna & Sardines, Liver, Egg yolk, Milk, Cereal, Juices, Mushroom, etc.

Vitamin B12 - Cobalamin

Vitamin B12 is vital for cellular metabolism and DNA synthesis, which are necessary for fertility. Women's irregular menstrual cycles and ovulatory dysfunction have been related to vitamin B12 deficiency. Low sperm count and motility in men have been linked to low vitamin B12 levels, which may result in male infertility.

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency Results:?

Infertility in both men and women has been related to vitamin B12 deficiency. It might have an impact on sperm quality and production in men. It may interfere with a woman's menstrual cycle and ovulation, which could result in infertility.

• Sources of Vitamin B12:

Turkey, Salmon, Chicken, Sardines, Swiss Cheese, Red Meat, Eggs, etc.

Vitamin B9 - Folic Acid

Folic acid is vital for prenatal development and reproductive health since it is required for DNA synthesis and cell division. Inadequate folic acid intake in women increases the chance of miscarriage and can cause neural tube abnormalities in infants.

Moreover, the folic acid shortage has been connected to higher sperm abnormalities and a decrease in sperm count in men, which impacts fertility.?

• Vitamin B9 Deficiency Results:?

In addition to being essential for fetal development, folic acid may also affect fertility. A deficiency in folic acid has been linked to women experiencing ovulatory infertility and may result in miscarriage.?

• Sources of Vitamin B9:

Broccoli, Oranges, Dairy products, Spinach, Avocado, Lentils, etc.?

Vitamin C - Ascorbic Acid

Strong antioxidant vitamin C aids in preventing oxidative damage to sperm cells. It could result in lower sperm quality, motility, and DNA damage. A lack of vitamin C in women can decrease fertility and ovarian dysfunction.

• Vitamin C Deficiency Results:?

Vitamin C, an antioxidant, is important for the health of sperm. Increased oxidative stress damages sperm, which may result in decreased sperm motility and count.

• Sources of Vitamin C:

Oranges, Cranberry, Lemon, Chilly, Spinach, Papaya, Strawberries, etc.

Who is at Risk of Vitamin Deficiency?

The following people could also be in danger of a vitamin or mineral deficiency:

• Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant?
• People who smoke, drink too much alcohol or use illegal drugs
• People who crash diets or follow extremely rigid diets
• The elderly, particularly those with disabilities or long-term illnesses
• Some Vegans or Veterans?
• Women who experience heavy menstruation
• People with malabsorption issues (such as pancreatitis, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or diarrhea)

Remember that supplements could benefit people at risk of vitamin but always consider a doctor before starting any supplement. Supplements are a temporary solution, but eating a well-nutritious diet could be the permanent solution.?

The Bottom Line

Vitamins are essential for many biological functions of our body, such as respiration, digestion, hormone regulation, and reproduction. However, obtaining the right amounts of vitamins via diet alone can be very challenging. One safe and efficient strategy to meet your daily vitamin needs and promote both male and female fertility is to take supplements.?

Always consult a fertility expert before taking any supplements. The experts will tell precisely about the vitamin deficiency and what food you should consume that can promote fertility.??

Stay Healthy!