Deficiency Of This Vitamin Can Affect Your Fertility
Last Updated:
Research indicates that vitamin D deficiency can negatively impact ovulation in women and sperm quality in men, potentially harming reproductive health
With changing food habits and lifestyles, fertility-related problems are rapidly increasing these days. Both women and men are experiencing infertility at a younger age. There was a time when such issues were rare among young people, but now individuals aged 25–30 are also falling victim to infertility.
Several factors, including poor lifestyle choices, unhealthy eating habits, and air pollution, can impact fertility. However, a deficiency in certain vitamins can also severely affect reproductive health. If you want to maintain your fertility, it is essential to address these deficiencies.
According to a report by the US National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), a lack of vitamin D in the body can lead to a decline in fertility in both men and women. Vitamin D is often associated with bone health, but it also plays a crucial role in reproductive well-being.
Research indicates that vitamin D deficiency can negatively impact ovulation in women and sperm quality in men, potentially harming reproductive health. Prolonged vitamin D deficiency can lead to infertility. In women, it may cause ovulatory dysfunction, making conception difficult.
One study found that vitamin D levels in women are directly linked to ovulation and egg quality. A deficiency can also increase the risk of conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), both of which can impair fertility.
This is why women should be particularly mindful of their vitamin D intake. For men, a deficiency can adversely affect sperm quality. One study revealed that men with low vitamin D levels had a lower sperm count and reduced sperm motility. Vitamin D also influences testosterone levels, which are vital for male fertility. Low testosterone not only reduces sexual function but can also impair fertility. Additionally, vitamin D plays an important role in the development of the foetus.
First Published:
May 01, 2025, 12:26 IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
19 hours ago
- News18
Weight Loss Tips For PCOS Sufferers That Are Gentle, Sustainable, And Realistic
For people dealing with PCOS, including a variety of healthy fats in the diet can one feel fuller after meals and prevent mid-meal snacking. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder that has been affecting women globally. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is believed to affect 6–13 per cent of women in this demographic, with up to 70 per cent of cases being untreated. PCOS often causes hormonal imbalances and irregular periods. It is widely known that women suffering from PCOS tend to gain weight faster. Moreover, the struggle to lose excess calories is quite a tough one. Strict lifestyle changes and dedication are vital when it comes to weight management related to PCOS. Regular Exercise Among other lifestyle measures, exercising consistently is a crucial step. Adults should engage in at least 30 minutes of workouts per day. Physical activity is beneficial to your overall health and well-being, including weight management. While weight loss may be gradual, exercise offers overall benefits that can alleviate many PCOS symptoms. Increase Healthy Fats Including a variety of healthy fats in the diet can help one feel fuller after meals and prevent mid-meal snacking. Some foods with healthful fats include avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, and nut butter. Cut Back On Carbs Eating fewer carbohydrates can help patients with PCOS lose weight and improve their metabolism. But it does not mean eliminating carbs from your diet completely. In addition to adding protein and vegetables to your meal, switch to whole-wheat breads, which are high in dietary fibre and other minerals. Processed foods and added sugar products can elevate blood sugar levels and also increase weight significantly. Cakes, pastries, sweets, and fast meals include a lot of added sugar and refined carbohydrates. Manage Stress Stress may be a risk factor for weight gain. Stress raises levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. Chronically elevated cortisol levels are associated with insulin resistance and weight gain. Try meditation for some time daily, and make sure to get the proper amount of sleep to maintain cortisol levels. First Published:
India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Dr Ambrish Mithal decodes benefits of new weight-loss drugs
Dr Ambrish Mithal decodes benefits of new weight-loss drugs Jun27,2025 Credit: India Today Most type 2 diabetes patients are overweight, need to lose weight, and losing weight will help them even reverse or at least treat their diabetes better. Reverses diabetes Dr. Mithal describes body fat distribution in India is more on the belly. This, he says leads to a BMI lower than 30. However, the drugs can be used for someone whose BMI 27 and lower with comorbidities. Skinny fat Indians Dr. Mithal says that GLP-1 drugs are not magic but are powerful when taken along with proper diet high in protein and strength training. Credit: Getty Images GLP-1 drugs are not magic Rapid weight loss, especially without strength training, can lead to muscle loss. Therefore, while taking the medicines, ensure you exercise and have a proper diet to avoid severe muscle loss. Does it lead to muscle loss? The medicines have shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and even reverse fatty liver. Happy side-effects GLP-1 drugs can help improved infertility in women with PCOS. Beyond weight loss Weight-loss drugs are not for everyone. Dr. Mithal says that assessing various factors like obesity and diabetes are required before prescribing the medicines. Not for everyone 'You can't eradicate obesity by using these drugs you have to eradicate obesity by preventing it," Dr. Mithal says. Forever drugs? For years, metformin has been the standard first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. But newer medications are rapidly changing that equation, says Dr. Ambrish Mithal in conversation with Sneha Mordani for India Today's Booked. Beyond Metformin
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Watch: Incredible clip of Paralympic medallist Sheetal Devi driving using her feet
Indian Paralympic player Sheetal Devi was seen driving a car using her feet in a social media clip released on her Instagram. 'Took on the driver's seat for a while, loving every moment of it. Never say NEVER,' she captioned it. Devi was born with Phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that causes underdeveloped limbs. During the Paris Paralympics, she shot 703 points out of a possible 720, leaving behind the previous world record score of 698. She uses her right foot, right shoulder, and jaw to release the arrow and gets the upper body strength from a penchant for climbing trees as a kid. Devi is only one of two armless athletes to win a bronze medal at the Paralympics. The story of this 18-year-old archer from Jammu, however, is not just about beating the odds and winning medals. She is also inspiring others in similar or more challenging circumstances to take up the bow and be as good as her. A post shared by Sheetal Devi (@sheetal_archery) National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) notes in a report that when phocomelia is identified in a child, physicians should complete a thorough search for other associated abnormalities, as other defects are present in approximately half of the patients presenting with this limb anomaly. 'Particularly, practitioners should examine the musculoskeletal system, including the vertebrae, the intestines, and the heart, as dysfunction in these organ systems appears most frequently in conjunction with phocomelia,' it reads. NCBI notes that prosthetics may be of some use, 'but many without such tools can function quite well'. 'Families of children who have severely hypoplastic extremities should work with therapists to help understand how to meet the unique needs of their children. And finally, caring for a disabled child can be traumatic for some people. Therefore, physicians should have a low threshold to recommend mental counselling services to assist in coping mechanisms that both the parents and the child may need,' the report reads.
