Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Poor Ovarian Stimulation Outcome in PCOS but Not Unexplained Infertility

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Infertility Research
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent but its impact on ovarian stimulation success is not well-understood.
• Previous research has not specifically investigated vitamin D's role based on infertility diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and reproductive outcomes in women undergoing ovarian stimulation.
• To differentiate this impact in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) versus unexplained infertility.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study analyzing data from two randomized controlled trials (PPCOS II and AMIGOS).
• Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured in banked samples from 607 PCOS participants and 647 unexplained infertility participants.
• Primary outcome was live birth, with secondary outcomes including ovulation, pregnancy, and early pregnancy loss.

Main Results:

• In the PCOS group (PPCOS II), vitamin D deficiency was linked to lower ovulation rates and a 40% reduced chance of live birth.
• In the unexplained infertility group (AMIGOS), no significant association between vitamin D deficiency and live birth was found.
• Across both groups, vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women was associated with an increased risk of early pregnancy loss.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency negatively affects live birth rates in women with PCOS undergoing ovarian stimulation, but not in those with unexplained infertility.
• Addressing vitamin D deficiency may be a beneficial adjunct therapy for infertile women, particularly those with PCOS.
• Further research into vitamin D's role in reproductive outcomes is warranted.