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The relationship between initial vitamin D levels and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in PCOS patients: a systematic review

Octavia L, Andhika Panjarwanto D, Nabila P, Geany PL, Javier RM, Rahman AA, Yora VS, Sutanto L et al.

Frontiers in medicine, 2025

1 citation

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-age women and is often associated with infertility challenges. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D levels play a significant role in reproductive outcomes, particularly in PCOS patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed, focusing on the impact of pre-treatment vitamin D levels on IVF outcomes such as fertilization rates, implantation rates, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. Only studies on PCOS-related infertility were included, while non-PCOS infertility cases were excluded.

Result: The review examined 59 studies, highlighting variations in outcomes based on study design and populations. Evidence generally supports the hypothesis that adequate vitamin D levels are associated with improved IVF success, though inconsistencies remain. Further research is recommended to standardize supplementation protocols and better understand vitamin D's biological mechanisms in reproductive health.

Conclusion: The relationship between initial vitamin D levels and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) suggests that vitamin D plays a crucial role in enhancing IVF success, although the findings remain somewhat inconsistent. Research generally points to a positive correlation between higher baseline vitamin D…

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