Vitamin deficiencies may impact key fertility hormone, warn experts

The food that one consumes daily impacts several areas of health and wellness directly or indirectly, and reproductive health is no different. While awareness about the relationship between nutrition and fertility is gradually growing, a lesser-known link is the negative impact of vitamin deficiencies on the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), say experts.

In women, this hormone reflects the ovarian reserve and fertility potential. If certain vitamins are lacking in the body, AMH levels may drop, impacting reproductive planning and success with fertility treatments.

According to experts, deficiencies in nutrients such as Vitamin D, B12, and folic acid have been found to influence hormonal balance, egg quality, and overall reproductive function.

Dr Bushra Khan, who is a fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility in Kharadi, Pune, shares, “When essential vitamins like Vitamin D or B12 are deficient, it can affect the body’s ability to produce optimal levels of AMH, which is critical for understanding a woman’s fertility potential. However, this can be improved through timely nutritional correction.”

What causes vitamin deficiencies?

Before taking correctional measures, it is important to know the causes behind vitamin deficiencies and the signs that may help one identify the issue.

“Vitamin deficiency is common among women aged 25-30, especially those with irregular eating habits, strict diets, or high levels of stress. It can also result from digestive issues that affect absorption, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders. Symptoms can be fatigue, hair thinning, pale skin, low immunity, and menstrual irregularities,” informs Dr Khan.

If left unchecked, this nutritional deficiency may cause hormonal imbalances, impaired fertility, and poor outcomes in pregnancy or fertility treatments.

Managing vitamin deficiencies

Regular blood tests, a balanced diet, and supplementation (if recommended by an expert) are key to addressing this issue.

Recommending measures to maintain optimal vitamin levels in the body, Dr Preethika Shetty, who is the consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals in Kharadi, says, “To be able to support the fertility hormone, women should have a diet loaded with green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and dairy, get regular sunlight for at least 20 minutes in the morning for maintaining appropriate vitamin D levels, exercise and de-stress by doing yoga and meditation, opt for blood and hormone tests to track your levels.”

By addressing these deficiencies early, women can potentially improve AMH levels. It is recommended to consult a fertility specialist for timely evaluations and management of potential issues that arise with vitamin deficiencies.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a medical expert for personalised guidance.

This article first appeared on Mid Day