Get Out in the Sun this Summer: The Positive Link between Vitamin D and Fertility
When you’re pregnant or getting pregnant, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with information
overload. What’s good for me? What’s going to be good for my baby? One thing scientists and
doctors can agree on though is that some sun is good for mom before and during pregnancy.
What does vitamin D help with?
According to multiple studies, there is a positive correlation between Vitamin D and fertility.
When compared to women who were deficient in vitamin D, women with normal levels had
more live births, positive pregnancy tests, and more clinical pregnancies.
When it comes to testing for IVF, women with standard levels of vitamin D also had positive
anti-Mullerian hormones, meaning that they had an abundance of healthy eggs.
Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D isn’t just good for helping fertility and maintaining healthy pregnancies, but is
incredibly important for bone health. Your body actually can only absorb calcium effectively if
vitamin D is present. While a great way to get vitamin D is via the sun, vitamin D is also found in
other foods, such as:
- Fortified milk
- Fortified cereal
- Fortified juices
- Fatty fishes
Laying out in the Sun
How long you need to lay out in the sun to get a substantial amount of vitamin D is dependent
on things like skin type, where you live, and what season it is. If you live in a sunny place like
Miami and don’t burn easily, you may only need 10 minutes. If you burn easier and are up north,
it could be upwards of an hour. That’s why it’s important to consult with a doctor to see if you’re
getting enough vitamin D in your day to see if you need to change your habits.
Since the best way to create vitamin D is laying out in the sun, it’s important to take proper
precautions in order to prevent burns. For day-to-day use, choose a sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or
higher depending on your sensitivity. If you’re outdoors a lot, choose one that’s SPF 60 or
greater. Apply 15 minutes before going into the sun, remember to reapply every two hours, and
you should be good to go.