Vitamin D Status of Infertile Women in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Background: Long known for its role in phosphocalcic metabolism, vitamin D has been attracting growing interest in recent years for its involvement in numerous physiological processes, including its essential role in reproductive health. According to many authors, vitamin D is involved in biological processes crucial to fertility, such as the production of sex hormones (progesterone and estrogen), promoting oocyte maturation and increasing endometrial receptivity for successful implantation. Inadequate vitamin D levels would therefore have a negative impact on fertility. This study determined the vitamin D status of infertile women in Abidjan. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from June 2023 to September 2024. It included 102 infertile women, aged 21-50 years, consulting a specialized clinic in Abidjan and having given their consent to participate in the study. Serum vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured on the Vidas PCÒ, and the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (levels < 30 ng/ml) was determined. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37±6 years. The mean vitamin D level in the infertile population was 24.07 ± 7.69 ng/ml. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (level < 30 ng/ml) was 81.37%. Only 18.63% of women had optimal serum vitamin D levels (30-100 ng/ml). Conclusion: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in infertile women in Abidjan is high (81.37%). These results highlight the need to monitor and correct vitamin D levels in infertile women for better management of fertility disorders.