Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Sub-fertile Women Visiting IVF Centers Pan India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Vitamin D, essential for bone health and overall well-being, plays a pivotal role in reproductive health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among infertile women in India, considering regional and demographic factors. Methods: This retrospective study involved 34,844 infertile women seeking treatment at various centers across India. Exclusions were made for women with kidney or liver disorders and those on medications affecting vitamin D metabolism. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured through immunoassay techniques, and the data were analyzed using statistical software. Results: This study analyzed the vitamin D levels of 34,844 individuals across 21 states in India. The overall prevalence of vitamin D levels revealed that 24.70% had normal levels, while 45.10% had insufficiency, and 21.30% had deficiency. Few individuals (8.80%) had borderline high levels, and only a small fraction (0.10%) showed signs of vitamin D toxicity. Significant regional disparities were observed, with states like Goa exhibiting high normal levels while Delhi had high rates of both deficiency and insufficiency. Conclusion: This study unveils a substantial prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among infertile women in India, potentially affecting their fertility and reproductive health. While evidence suggests that optimizing vitamin D status may enhance reproductive outcomes, further research is required to establish clear guidelines for vitamin D supplementation in infertility treatment.