These two vitamins enhance hormone balance, ovarian function and sperm quality
Aug 23, 2023
In the pursuit of optimal health, we often focus on a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. However, two lesser-known yet crucial vitamins, Vitamin D and Vitamin K2, deserve a spotlight for their significant impact on overall well-being. When paired with Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3 transports to the bones instead of calcifying in the arteries (1). When taken together, these vitamins form a powerful synergy that promotes strong bones, cardiovascular health, and immune system support. In addition to this, vitamin D and K2 also impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Both Vitamin D3 and K2 exhibit regulatory effects on hormones crucial for fertility. Vitamin D3 supports the production of sex hormones in males and females, and low vitamin D levels have been associated with lower sex hormone levels (2). In parallel, Vitamin K2 comes into play by facilitating the activation of specific proteins, further harmonizing the intricate hormonal dance (3,4).
Male Fertility: Nurturing the Seed of Life
Recent scientific investigations illuminate Vitamin D's pivotal role in male fertility. A positive correlation has been established between elevated Vitamin D levels and enhanced sperm motility and morphology, essential for successful conception (5). In tandem, Vitamin K2 contributes by potentially regulating testosterone levels, an integral factor for optimal reproductive function (3). Intriguingly, a father's Vitamin D levels at conception extend influence on the child's future height and weight (6).
Female Fertility: Journey to Conception
For women, Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in hormonal balance, ovarian function, and uterine health. Reduced levels of vitamin D are associated with difficulty conceiving (7). Adequate Vitamin D levels are related to follicle and oocyte development and increased pregnancy rates in assisted reproductive techniques (8,9). Moreover, Vitamin K2 has been implicated in reducing the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common condition affecting female fertility (10). Vitamin D levels can be elevated by hormonal birth control; therefore, after stopping the use of birth control to conceive, vitamin D levels should be checked to ensure adequate levels (11). Vitamin D deficiency can also impair IVF fertilization (12). Many women getting pregnant through assisted reproductive treatments often don't have enough Vitamin D (8,9). Not having enough Vitamin D could be a significant issue to take care of for women who are thinking about fertility treatment.
A Path Forward:
Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for hormonal balance, reproductive organ function, and overall well-being. Testing Vitamin D levels in the blood is inexpensive and can be done quickly. In essence, insufficient Vitamin D levels might be a modifiable factor capable of improving fertility. It could also lower the chances of having problems during pregnancy like gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and issues associated with the growth of the baby (13). Before starting any supplementation regimen, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional to ensure the approach aligns with your individual needs and health status. As we continue to unravel the intricate links between nutrition and fertility, Vitamin D3K2 supplementation emerges as a promising avenue for couples aspiring to embark on the beautiful journey of parenthood.
Learn more about our Vitamin D3K2 and other foundational supplements to support your fertility with our Fab For Life Naturals Fertility Collection.
- Kuang X, Liu C, Guo X, Li K, Deng Q, Li D. The combination effect of vitamin K and vitamin D on human bone quality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Food Funct. 2020 Apr 30;11(4):3280–97.
- Zhao D, Ouyang P, de Boer IH, Lutsey PL, Farag YMK, Guallar E, et al. Serum vitamin D and sex hormones levels in men and women: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Maturitas. 2017 Feb;96:95–102.
- Takumi N, Shirakawa H, Ohsaki Y, Ito A, Watanabe T, Giriwono PE, et al. Dietary vitamin K alleviates the reduction in testosterone production induced by lipopolysaccharide administration in rat testis. Food Funct. 2011 Jul;2(7):406–11.
- Otsuka M, Kato N, Ichimura T, Abe S, Tanaka Y, Taniguchi H, et al. Vitamin K2 binds 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 4 and modulates estrogen metabolism. Life Sciences. 2005 Apr 8;76(21):2473–82.
- Blomberg Jensen M, Lawaetz JG, Petersen JH, Juul A, Jørgensen N. Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Semen Quality, Reproductive Hormones, and Live Birth Rate: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Mar 1;103(3):870–81.
- ScienceDaily [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 13]. Father’s pre-conception vitamin D intake linked to child height and weight at 5 years old. Available from: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170518221002.htm
- Fung JL, Hartman TJ, Schleicher RL, Goldman MB. Association of vitamin D intake and serum levels with fertility: results from the Lifestyle and Fertility Study. Fertil Steril. 2017 Aug;108(2):302–11.
- Xu F, Wolf S, Green O, Xu J. Vitamin D in follicular development and oocyte maturation. Reproduction. 2021 May 5;161(6):R129–37.
- Zhou X, Wu X, Luo X, Shao J, Guo D, Deng B, et al. Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes: A Trial Sequential Meta-Analysis of 5 Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022;13:852428.
- Tarkesh F, Namavar Jahromi B, Hejazi N, Tabatabaee H. Beneficial health effects of Menaquinone-7 on body composition, glycemic indices, lipid profile, and endocrine markers in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Food Sci Nutr. 2020 Oct;8(10):5612–21.
- Öberg J, Jorde R, Figenschau Y, Thorsby PM, Dahl SR, Winther A, et al. 100 YEARS OF VITAMIN D: Combined hormonal contraceptives and vitamin D metabolism in adolescent girls. Endocr Connect. 2022 Mar 31;11(3):e210395.
- Ha H, Tm B, S C, A C. Preconception Vitamin D Level and In Vitro Fertilization: Pregnancy Outcome. Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists [Internet]. 2023 Apr [cited 2023 Aug 13];29(4). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36642384/
- Chu J, Gallos I, Tobias A, Robinson L, Kirkman-Brown J, Dhillon-Smith R, et al. Vitamin D and assisted reproductive treatment outcome: a prospective cohort study. Reproductive Health. 2019 Jul 15;16(1):106.