Vitamin D, commonly known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is usually known for strengthening bones and anti-cancer activities. The latest research shows that vitamin D can also alleviate PCOS symptoms. Therefore, in this article, you will learn more about the benefits of vitamin D for PCOS and how it manages PCOS.
Benefits of Vitamin D for PCOS
Research suggests that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is approximately 67 to 85 percent in women with PCOS. Consumption of Vitamin D can have the following benefits on PCOS management.
Manage insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is one of the top symptoms of PCOS. It leads to type II diabetes if left untreated. Besides giving up carbs, an intake of Vitamin D can also prevent diabetes or insulin. It is because of the vital role of vitamin D in glucose homeostasis.
Vitamin D effectively maintains blood glucose by specific mechanisms that take place inside the cells or by the presence of various receptor sites on the cell surface of pancreatic beta cells and skeletal muscles.
Adiponectin, produced by fat cells, is an anti-inflammatory hormone that is responsible for improving insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, metabolism, and regulation of appetite and satiety to prevent weight gain and obesity.
The deficiency of Vitamin D in women with PCOS is associated with a decrease in the production of adiponectin hormone, which ultimately increases the risk of developing insulin resistance or may worsen the existing insulin resistance in PCOS, which further leads to type II diabetes.
Enhances fertility
The benefits of Vitamin D for pregnancy in PCOS are crucial. Vitamin D has a physiologic role in reproduction including ovarian follicular development and luteinization via altering anti-mullerian hormone signaling, follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) sensitivity, and progesterone production in human granulosa cells.
20 to 35 percent of women with PCOS are prone to infertility. Therefore, proper management of PCOS with a healthy lifestyle, fertility diet, and supplementation is essential for conceiving naturally.
A healthy diet plan for PCOS includes food from different sources, which include all the essential nutrients to maintain the cellular functions of the overall body. Vitamin is one of those vital nutrients that the body needs.
Research suggests that women with a high level of vitamin D have more chances of getting pregnant than those with a lower concentration of vitamin D.It also increases the chance of IVF in women.
Therefore, you must take the advantage of all the benefits of vitamin D for pregnancy with PCOS.
Know More: 10 Super Benefits of Zinc For PCOS
Positive attitude and better mental health
Recent studies on the role of vitamin D in serotonin and melatonin suggest that increasing vitamin D status has positive effects on improving mood and sleep. As it is a common observation that there is an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and brain fog in PCOS, therefore, an increase in vitamin D status can have a markedly positive effect on mood and overall mental health.
Natural Sources of Vitamin D for PCOS
The most common source of vitamin D is sunlight. Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D on exposure to sunlight. That’s why a sun bath is highly recommended for healthy growth of bones and development of the body.
Another way the get vitamin D is from naturally available food sources. Food sources of vitamin D are not abundant, but the following are some natural sources of Vitamin D for PCOS.
- Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel
- Egg yolks
- Red meat
- Liver
- Fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals
Read More: Best Protein Powder For PCOS
Vitamin D Supplements for PCOS
If you don’t get enough vitamin D, you can take vitamin D supplements for PCOS, and if you don’t have PCOS but have vitamin D deficiency. We recommend you try high potency vitamin D3 immune support to fulfill your body’s requirements for vitamin D.
Note: Must consult a physician or an expert to get their advice on Vitamin D supplementation for PCOS
How much Vitamin D do you need to take daily?
Vitamin D daily intake varies depending on factors such as age. You can use the table below to know how much vitamin D you need to take daily.
| Age | Recommended Amount |
| Birth to 12 months | 10 mcg (400 IU) |
| Children 1–13 years | 15 mcg (600 IU) |
| Teens 14–18 years | 15 mcg (600 IU) |
| Adults 19–70 years | 15 mcg (600 IU) |
| Adults 71 years and older | 20 mcg (800 IU) |
| Pregnant and breastfeeding teens and women | 15 mcg (600 IU) |
