Latest news with #VitaminD.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Does summer heat affect your fertility? Here's what IVF expert says: ‘Might seem logical but…'
When it comes to fertility and assisted reproductive techniques like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), hopeful couples often find themselves navigating a maze of information, assumptions and myths. One commonly held belief is that the summer season negatively impacts pregnancy chances or lowers IVF success rates. Worried about starting IVF in the summer heat? Read this before you delay.(Image by Pixabay) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rachita Munjal, senior consultant – fertility at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Gurgaon, shared, 'IVF success rates depend upon egg quality. The idea that seasonal shifts can affect fertility outcomes might seem logical on the surface but science tells a different story.' The science behind IVF: A controlled environment IVF is a highly advanced medical process that occurs in a controlled lab environment, far removed from external weather conditions. Dr Rachita Munjal explained, 'Embryos are fertilized and cultured in laboratories where temperature, humidity, and air quality are tightly monitored. These artificial conditions are designed to mimic the optimal environment for embryo development — regardless of whether it is sweltering summer or freezing winter outside.' IVF has been helpful even in cases where a natural pregnancy is medically not possible. She added, 'Thus, the belief that the external climate could affect embryo health or success rates is scientifically unfounded. IVF success depends more on medical protocols, age, ovarian reserve, sperm quality and overall reproductive health than it does on the season.' Statistical evidence: No seasonal variation in IVF outcomes Numerous studies have compared IVF success rates across different seasons. The results? No significant variation has been found. Dr Rachita Munjal revealed, 'Fertility clinics worldwide have analyzed thousands of cycles to assess whether birth rates, implantation rates, or embryo quality differ from season to season. The consensus is clear: seasons do not determine the success of IVF treatments. This should be reassuring for couples who are mentally and physically ready for IVF. There is no need to delay or plan treatment around specific months unless advised otherwise by a medical professional for personal health reasons.' How summer may actually support fertility Interestingly, Dr Rachita Munjal pointed out that some biological factors associated with summer could even enhance fertility and IVF outcomes. 1. Vitamin D Boost: Sunlight is the most natural source of Vitamin D, a nutrient essential for reproductive health. Vitamin D plays a critical role in: Regulating hormones Improving ovarian function Enhancing sperm quality Supporting embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance Several studies have shown a correlation between adequate Vitamin D levels and improved IVF success rates. During the summer, with longer days and increased sun exposure, the body naturally produces more Vitamin D. This natural boost can benefit both men and women trying to conceive. If you are preparing to embrace motherhood soon, you need to make sure you are consuming the right nutrients from iron, folate, calcium, vitamin D, to protein. Dr. Madhuri Roy, Gynaecologist & IVF Consultant, Founder, and Managing Director of Conceive IVF, Pune gives you diet tips.(Pixabay) 2. Melatonin Regulation: Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, is best known for its role in sleep regulation. However, it also plays an important role in reproductive health, especially in protecting eggs and embryos from oxidative stress. Seasonal variations in melatonin production — which tend to stabilize in summer — may contribute positively to overall fertility. Combined with good sleep hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits, summer may provide an internal hormonal environment that is conducive to conception. Planning IVF: What really matters Rather than worrying about external weather patterns, Dr Rachita Munjal said couples should focus on what truly influences IVF success: Maternal age Quality of eggs and sperm Uterine receptivity Embryo quality Lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and stress Medical expertise and technology used at the clinic Emotional readiness and mental well-being are also key. Undergoing IVF can be an emotionally intense experience. Choosing a time when you feel psychologically prepared can make a meaningful difference in your journey — and for many, the calm and routine of summer may offer that space. When is the best time to start IVF? Dr Rachita Munjal answered, 'The best time is when you are ready — not based on the calendar, but on your health, doctor's advice, and emotional preparedness. If your fertility specialist has assessed your condition and recommended treatment, there is no need to postpone IVF based on the season. It's also important to remember that IVF success often takes time and depends on factors outside anyone's control that can affect outcomes. What matters is having trust in the process, your care team and your body.' Don't let myths guide medical decisions In the age of information overload, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing myths and hearsay — especially when you're on a deeply personal journey like fertility treatment but letting such myths influence important medical decisions can do more harm than good. Dr Rachita Munjal pointed out - There's no scientific proof that summer reduces IVF success. IVF labs maintain optimal, controlled environments. Sunlight and melatonin may even support reproductive health. Emotional readiness is more important than external temperature. So if you're planning to start IVF or are in the midst of your treatment, know this: you don't need to wait for the 'perfect season.' Instead, focus on your physical, emotional and mental health — and trust the science. Miracles take time, and each fertility journey is unique. Stay hopeful, stay informed and move forward with confidence. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
India Today
16-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Early puberty is for real: How to help our children
Precocious puberty refers to the early development of puberty and secondary sexual features in children before age eight for girls and boys before age nine. While the average age for menarche (first menstruation) in India used to be around 14-16 years, it has now dropped to around 12 years, and some girls are showing signs of puberty as early as age seven. Dr Atique Ahmed, newborn and child specialist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, explains why more such cases are being noticed.A growing concern: Children with precocious puberty may suffer both the physical and emotional impact. In the short term, they will likely be taller than their peers, but the long-term consequence of closing the growth plates too soon is shorter stature. From a psychological perspective, the hurdles can be equally profound. Children who are developing ahead of their same-age peers can experience embarrassment, anxiety and depression. The mismatched social-emotional and physical developments can manifest as behavioural problems, such as an increased risk for substance use or conduct and screen-time probable causes? A noticeable rise in cases of central precocious puberty (CPP) has been observed, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic. During the outbreak, all schools remained shut across India and children under 18 were forced to spend extended periods confined at home. This prolonged isolation have coincided with a significant spike in the one cannot attribute a particular reason for its increase, several factors are being investigated. One prominent theory suggests that increased exposure to digital screens may be contributing. Research found that children's screen-time surged by approximately 2.5 times during the pandemic. It is believed that prolonged engagement with electronic devices—ranging from televisions to tablets—might be a contributing factor in the increasing incidence of CPP. Nutritional deficiency: Other lifestyle changes during the Covid lockdown may have added to the increase. Many children experienced a marked decline in physical activity and spent more time indoors, which contributed to widespread deficiency of Vitamin D. Dietary habits also shifted significantly during this time, with eating becoming a source of entertainment. A number of authors referenced ongoing increases in consumption of sweet snacks, high-calorie processed products, and pre-packaged foods. This may have contribute to a rise in childhood obesity, which resulted in the advancement of puberty in children, especially among changes: Sleep changes were reported during lockdowns, such as reduced time for sleeping and poorer quality of sleep among children. In one clinical opinion, psychological changes, technology influences or a combination of these things might have resulted in changes that led to early onset of puberty. However, we need to await clear evidence for definitive effects of Covid-19: Some researchers are exploring whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus could have directly affected neurological pathways involved in puberty through inflammation of the olfactory bulb, disruption of the blood-brain barrier or widespread inflammatory responses like cytokine storms. However, this connection remains under early puberty: Despite some early cases being unpreventable, parents can find actionable strategies to reduce risk and help their children cope with precocious puberty. Encouraging healthy practices is most important, such as making nutritious foods available; regular, purposeful activity; reduced screen-time; and improving sleep. Limiting exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals and providing an environment that promotes open communication can help empower children as they navigate the to India Today Magazine- Ends
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
This is how you can increase mushroom's vitamin D content
Mushrooms are a nutritious and versatile food, often added to soups, salads, stir-fries, and even sandwiches. They are packed with essential nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. One vitamin that many people don't realize mushrooms can provide is Vitamin D. However, most store-bought mushrooms typically contain very low levels of this important nutrient. But there's a simple trick that can significantly boost the vitamin D content in mushrooms—exposing them to sunlight. Understanding the Role of Vitamin D in Mushrooms Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium, promotes bone health, and supports the immune system. It's primarily obtained through sunlight exposure, as the skin synthesizes it when exposed to UV rays. While Vitamin D is found in certain foods, such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and eggs, mushrooms are one of the few plant-based sources of Vitamin D. However, the form of Vitamin D found in mushrooms is different from the one our bodies produce when exposed to sunlight. Mushrooms naturally contain Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), while human skin produces Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is the more effective form in raising blood levels of the vitamin. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure your family's future! ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Nonetheless, Vitamin D2 still has health benefits, and the amount of Vitamin D in mushrooms can be significantly increased with a simple trick. Sunlight Exposure Mushrooms, like humans, have the ability to produce Vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The same way our skin produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, mushrooms can synthesize it under UV light. This process is natural and very similar to how plants use sunlight for photosynthesis. By exposing mushrooms to sunlight or UV light after they've been harvested, you can significantly boost their Vitamin D content. Here's how it works: Mushrooms and UV Light: When mushrooms are exposed to UV rays (like sunlight), they begin to produce more Vitamin D2. This happens because UV light converts ergosterol, a compound found in the cell walls of mushrooms, into Vitamin D2. Optimal Exposure: To get the best results, mushrooms should be exposed to direct sunlight or a UV light source for a few hours. Even just 15 to 30 minutes of exposure can increase the Vitamin D levels in mushrooms by a significant amount. How to Increase Vitamin D in Mushrooms at Home If you're growing your own mushrooms or buying fresh ones, here's how you can increase their Vitamin D content at home: Choose the Right Mushrooms: Start with mushrooms that have the potential to increase their Vitamin D content. Most common varieties, such as white button mushrooms, cremini, and portobello, can be enhanced with UV exposure. However, some specialty mushrooms (like shiitake) may already contain higher levels of Vitamin D before exposure. Expose to Sunlight: Once you have your mushrooms, place them with their gills facing up in direct sunlight for about 15 to 30 minutes. Ideally, this should be done during the midday hours when the sun is strongest. You'll notice that the caps of the mushrooms will face upward to absorb the UV light, helping them produce more Vitamin D.
Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Why Vitamin D isn't just about bones, it decides whether calories should be fat or muscle
Written by Dr Shovana Vaishnavi Many of us usually associate Vitamin D with bone health. But that's just half the truth. In fact, its deficiency can affect how you store fat because this key vitamin decides whether the calories you eat turn into fat or muscle. You may have been harbouring the greatest myth if you thought that calories are just numbers and that your body treats all of them the same. Truth is your body's response to calories depends heavily on your levels of Vitamin D. It works behind the scenes, regulating insulin sensitivity, inflammation and muscle metabolism. So how does this happen? Sufficient Vitamin D levels stimulate protein synthesis and activate muscle repair processes, especially after physical activity. Let's look at how Vitamin D acts on proteins. For example, myostatin limits muscle growth. Vitamin D can help decrease myostatin production, allowing muscles to grow larger and potentially burn more calories. The satiety hormone leptin signals to the brain about the body's fat reserves. When leptin levels are too high, your brain becomes resistant to its signals, leading to constant hunger and more fat storage. Leptin resistance keeps us in a vicious cycle of overeating and lethargy. Vitamin D improves leptin sensitivity, helping your brain regulate your hunger better and potentially reducing overeating. By influencing these hormones, Vitamin D may help your body prioritise muscle growth when excess calories are available, instead of storing them as fat. This micronutrient also supports hormones like testosterone and growth hormones which are essential for building lean mass. Without it, even with proper training and nutrition, muscle gain is limited. Low Vitamin D levels increase the body's tendency to store fat. It not only controls how many fat cells should be created but how many should be broken down. Deficiency can tilt the balance towards fat retention —even if you're not overeating. For older adults, maintaining muscle mass is crucial for preventing falls and injuries. Vitamin D can support muscle strength and function in older adults, helping them stay active and independent. To optimise body composition, get your levels tested—and corrected if needed. If you're taking a vitamin D supplement, you won't need more than 600 to 800 IU per day. Some people may need a higher dose, however, including those with a bone health disorder and those with a condition that interferes with the absorption of vitamin D or calcium. Consult a doctor then. Avoid taking more than 4,000 IU per day, which is considered the safe upper limit. Sometimes, sunshine is more powerful than a protein shake. (The author is principal consultant, internal medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida)
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Can sunlight alone meet your Vitamin D requirement? Study explains
Despite regular sun exposure, you may still lack enough Vitamin D. Here's what experts suggest to meet your body's needs New Delhi Sun exposure alone may not be enough to maintain healthy Vitamin D levels throughout the year, according to recent research. The study highlighted that even with regular sunlight; many people may not reach or sustain the recommended Vitamin D levels, especially those with higher body fat or limited sun exposure. The study titled 'Vitamin D—is the sun enough for us?', published recently in Nutrition & Metabolism (2025), emphasised the need for Vitamin D supplementation to support long-term health. How much sunshine needed for vit D? To achieve sun exposure, most experts recommend spending 5 to 30 minutes in the sun, several times a week, between 10.30 am and 4 pm. However, the study showed that this may not be enough, depending on your skin tone, location, and the time of year. Can your body store vit D from summer for the whole year? The study mentioned that the Vitamin D made from summer sun exposure doesn't last all year. While your body stores Vitamin D in fat and muscle, this reserve may deplete faster than you think. Researchers found that even with regular summer sun, your levels can drop significantly by winter. How skin colour tone, and fat affect Vitamin D absorption People with darker skin need more sun exposure to make the same amount of Vitamin D as those with lighter skin. The melanin in darker skin acts like a natural sunscreen, slowing Vitamin D production. Additionally, obesity can trap Vitamin D in body fat, making it less available to your bloodstream. This means people with higher body fat may need larger Vitamin D doses to achieve the same blood levels as someone with a lower body fat percentage. On the other hand, active muscles can release stored Vitamin D more effectively, which highlights the importance of regular exercise for Vitamin D metabolism. Can your sunscreen lotion block your Vitamin D? Many people worry that wearing sunscreen might block Vitamin D production. Studies suggest that while sunscreen can reduce Vitamin D synthesis, about 15 per cent of UV rays still penetrate the skin, allowing some Vitamin D production. Dermatologists still recommend wearing sunscreen to protect against skin cancer and suggest getting Vitamin D from food and supplements instead. What are the best sources of vit D besides the sun? Vitamin D can also be found in: Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel Fortified foods like milk, orange juice, and plant-based alternatives Egg yolks and mushrooms Vitamin D supplements Supplements are often the easiest and safest way to meet your Vitamin D needs, especially during winter. Should you take Vitamin D2 or D3? The study found that Vitamin D3 is more effective than Vitamin D2. D3 stays in your body longer and raises blood levels more efficiently. D2, on the other hand, breaks down faster and is less effective in maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels over time. How can you check your vit D levels? The best way to measure your Vitamin D status is through a simple blood test measuring serum 25(OH)D levels. Most experts recommend aiming for levels above 30 nanograms per millilitre of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (30 ng/mL) for optimal health.
