Vitamin D serum levels and clinical pregnancy rate in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment

Abstract

Overview: This dissertation aims to explore how vitamin D serum levels affect clinical pregnancy rate in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment. Research Statement: To identify the effect of vitamin D serum levels on clinical pregnancy rate in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment. PEO elements: Population: Women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment Exposure: Screening of vitamin D serum levels Outcome: Its effect on clinical pregnancy rate Inclusion Criteria: Studies published in English language, peer-reviewed articles, had a full text available, and articles on vitamin D and assisted reproductive treatment. Exclusion Criteria: Studies not published in English language, not peer-reviewed studies, did not have a full text available, studies only on IVF and articles not on vitamin D and assisted reproductive treatment. The literature search resulted in 3 cohort studies and 3 systematic reviews. For the critical appraisal of these 6 chosen studies, 2 CASP tools were used. III Results and conclusion: All the 6 studies showed a positive correlative association between different ranges of vitamin D serum levels (deficient, insufficient, sufficient and replete) and clinical pregnancy rates. Clinical pregnancy rate was found to be higher in women who did not have a vitamin D deficiency. Implications and recommendations: There must be better education to the public and healthcare workers regarding the importance of sufficient vitamin D levels, especially for women who are about to start ART, and also young adults. Indeed, more international research needs to be done to further corroborate this link between vitamin D levels and clinical pregnancy rates. Conducting some local research would also be beneficial since it would further support the practice done locally at the ART clinic, screening for vitamin D and supplementing any deficiency.