Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcomes: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous studies indicating an imperative role for reproduction, however, the role of Vitamin D supplementation on outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques remains controversial. This clinical trial was per- formed to evaluate the effect of Vitamin D supplementation 6 weeks prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on fertility indices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a double-blind clinical trial conducted on infertile women was ran- domly allocated into two groups: Vitamin D supplementation (42 participants) and placebo (43 participants). Serum Vitamin D was measured before and six to eight weeks after treatment, on the day of ovum pick up. Results were analyzed using SPSS16 and fertility indices were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups regarding the mean number of oocytes retrieved, percentage mature oocyte, fertilization rate and the rate of good quality embryos (all P>0.05). But, percentages of the individual with suitable endometrium (7-14 mm thickness) were significantly higher in the Vitamin D compared to control group (P=0.011). The rate of chemical (47.6 vs. 25.5%, P=0.013) and clinical pregnancy rate (38.1 vs. 20.9%, P=0.019) were also significantly higher in the Vitamin D compared to control group. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals that consuming Vitamin D for 6 weeks prior to ICSI improves quality of endo- metrium, rate of chemical and clinical pregnancy (Registration Number: IRCT2015111124999N1).