Vitamin D is associated with increased likelihood of pregnancy, livebirth and reduced pregnancy loss

vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, although the association between preconception vitamin D concentrations and livebirth is unknown.

The study aimed to assess the association between preconception vitamin D and pregnancy outcomes among women with proven fecundity.

The findings were published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology and 1191 women had available data on preconception 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations.

According to the study sufficient preconception 25-hydroxyvitamin D (≥75 nmol/L) was associated with increased likelihood of pregnancy and livebirth. Increased vitamin D concentrations before conception, but not in early pregnancy, were associated with reduced pregnancy loss.

The top 10 superfoods that help you conceive

10 superfoods

Balanced diet, rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, is directly linked to fertility.

If you have decided it is time to build a family, make sure you enrich your diet with the following superfoods that can help you conceive.

The good news for all of you who are trying to get pregnant is that a balanced diet, rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, is directly linked to fertility.

So here is a list of our top 10 superfoods that will boost your chances to conceive.

  • Bananas: B6 vitamin in bananas can increase fertility as it is connected to hormonal regulation in women. B6 deficiency can lead to irregular periods and poor egg and sperm quality as well.
  • Asparagus: the folic acid contained in asparagus helps with reducing chances of an ovulation disorder; this is why women trying to conceive are advised to take folic acid supplements.
  • Shell fish: vitamin B12 can be found in large amounts in shell fish and it may improve endometrial thickness, decreasing miscarriage incidents.
  • Eggs: eggs are rich in nutrients, among them vitamin D. A study by Yale researchers reported that among 67 women suffering infertility, the 93% had inadequate vitamin D levels.
  • Almonds: vitamin E contained in almonds improves sperm quality and it is believed that vitamin E deficiency is linked to fertility problems. Moreover, almonds’ antioxidant properties protect sperm and egg DNA from damages.
  • Citrus fruits: citrus fruits are also rich in vitamin D, which apart from its relation to female fertility it has been shown that it may improve sperm concentration and motility.
  • Tofu: tofu is an excellent iron source, which in inadequate levels can inhibit ovulation and decrease egg quality, leading to 60% lower chances of achieving pregnancy compared to women with normal iron levels.
  • Salmon: salmon contains selenium, a mineral related to antioxidants production, which has been shown to play a protective role for the egg and sperm against free radicals. It is also necessary for the creation of sperm.
  • Peas: increased levels of zinc, found in large amounts in peas, have been found to improve sperm quality and function. In women, lack of zinc may lead to estrogen and progesterone levels imbalance.
  • Mackerel: it contains the essential fatty acids, like DHA, that contribute to a healthy female reproductive system. DHA has also been associated with enhanced sperm quality.

How many of these superfoods are already included in your diet?


Hey! If you found this post interesting or useful, you can help us get even better by subscribing to our newsletter. Just write your email and you’ll have the latest news regarding fertility issues. Thank you once more for your help.

Sunlight exposure makes women more fertile

There are numerous health benefits of sunlight and one of them is linked to increased fertility.

Sunshine, warm weather and absence of rain lead to a more effective IVF treatment

Sunlight is related with fertility

Sunlight exposure makes women more fertile, boosting their chances to conceive according to a new

Belgian research study. Researchers of University Hospital Ghent’s Centre for Reproductive Medicine, analyzed success rates of 6.000 women who underwent IVF treatment over a time period of about six years. These data were associated with climate conditions of the month that each woman started their fertility treatment.

They found that live birth rates increased from 14%, during less sunny periods, to 19% when the weather in terms of sunlight was improved. Moreover, in periods with at least 4 hours of sunshine per day fertility was increased by one third.

Researchers highlight the fact that women had 35% increased chances of conception following IVF if they were exposed to sunlight a month prior and not during IVF treatment.

Vitamin D appears to have the most critical role in terms of sunlight benefits to female fertility, as it directly affects egg quality and melatonin levels contributing to a normal ovulation cycle.

‘’Sunshine, warm weather and absence of rain lead to a more effective IVF treatment. And even though this study focused on the outcome of women who treated for infertility we believe that weather conditions may positively affect natural conception chances as well’’, said Dr Vandekerckhove who led the study. This study was presented at the annual meeting of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Portugal.

At this point it should also being noted that sun can increase male fertility as well, according to previous studies. It appears that sperm is relatively more effective and capacitated from July to August compared to winter months.

How about planning a trip somewhere warm for increasing your pregnancy chances?


Hey! If you found this post interesting or useful, you can help us get even better by subscribing to our newsletter. Just write your email and you’ll have the latest news regarding fertility issues. Thank you once more for your help.