Low Vit D advice

[MinBins]

Hello

I had some blood tests done recently at the IVF clinic and they sent the results over to me. I have very low VitD, (approx 18, and it's supposed to be between 50-200).

I'm calling my doctor on Monday, and likely they'll ask me to go in a few weeks later - as it's non emergency. In the meantime, I wondered if anyone else went through this.

I wanted to begin IVF over the next months, but think I'll have to wait till the levels are back up.

The IVF clinic just sent a letter, no advice other than visit the doctor. They haven't been very helpful.

Has anyone had low VitD levels? How did you raise them / what was the impact on TTC? Thanks!

I’m on prescription vitamin D as mine is always low. 50 is ‘normal’ but 75 is optimal for bone health. Not TTC though as I’m older. If you do an E consult and attach a photo of your blood test results the GP should just be able to either send you a prescription to the pharmacy or email/text you with advice.It will save you hanging on the phone trying to book an appointment and waiting to speak to someone about it.

They generally retest levels 3 months after starting vitamin D to check your levels have improved.

Hi,

yes i had the same issue for my first ivf round , it was at 17. I was then told to take 3000iu and i did for a few months after which my
levels were completely fine. I also noticed i was less tired and my bones didn’t ache.

Thank you - I'll try accessing the doctor online. That's a great tip!

I've felt tired and down for a while, at least (somewhat) getting over both of those is something I look forward to.

I have some vitamin D drops that I'll take in the meantime and will hopefully bring the levels back up again in time following doctor's advice.

Thanks for your help, it's reassuring knowing that they can go back up in a matter of months.

Scientific evidence shows that both male and female vitamin D levels play a role in fertility and affect the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Additionally, fertility and IVF indicators are improved by vitamin D not only in healthy women but in those diagnosed with PCOS. It is suggested that a daily intake of at least 2000I U of vitamin D for three months can reduce the level of oxidative DNA damage, a marker of oxidative stress. However, efficient absorption of Vitamin D can be hampered by the quality of the gut microbiome, your level of Vitamin C and E and quality of sleep.
Best foods for vitamin D are oily fish, including salmon, mackerel, and sardines. You could also try rye with egg yolks, red meat, and liver.
Unfortunately, the information about fertility and health factors affecting it is very fragmented and important data and tests that could provide a targeted and personalised plan of action are often not offered/considered.