Abstract
Author(s): Hala Razzaq Jasim, Lina Muhssen Atyia
Background: The existence of vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and receptors in female tissues of reproductive origin has been documented by a list of studies. In addition, low levels of vitamin D have been observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome with sub-fertility, and vitamin D supplementation for those women has been associated with improved menstrual irregularities, metabolic derangements, and fertility outcomes. Aim of the study: The present case-control study was aimed at comparing the serum vitamin D level of a sample of subfertile Iraqi women to that of a control sample of pregnant women. Subjects and methods: The current case-control study enrolled 54 subfertile women, and 50 fertile women recruited from the obstetrics and gynecology department at Pediatric and Maternity Teaching Hospital, Adiwaniyah Province, Iraq. The serum level of vitamin D was measured and compared between the two groups. Results: The mean level of the subfertile group was higher in a significant manner when compared to that of the control group: 22.79 ± 4.64 ng/ml versus 27.35 ± 8.60 ng/ml, respectively (p=0.001). In addition, the proportion of women in the subfertile group with vitamin D deficiency was higher than that reported in the control group, 40.0% versus 25.9%, respectively, but this difference was not significant (p=0.126). Conclusion: Low serum vitamin D is significantly linked to subfertility in Iraqi women during reproductive age. Therefore, we recommend adopting the strategy of vitamin D supplementation for Iraqi women during reproductive age to reduce the health burden of sub-fertility in our community.