Vitamin D and Endometriosis

Did you know that a simple nutrient like vitamin D could play a powerful role in managing endometriosis? Recent research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be more than just a bone-health issue—it could be a key factor in the endometriosis progression.

What Does Vitamin D Do for Your Body?

Vitamin D is well-known for its role in maintaining strong bones by regulating calcium and phosphorus levels. However, it’s much more than a bone booster. Vitamin D has significant effects on the immune system, reducing inflammation and supporting your body’s ability to fight disease. It also plays a role in controlling angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which is critical in managing conditions like endometriosis.

How Do We Get Vitamin D?

Our body naturally produces vitamin D when our skin is exposed to UVB rays from the sun, which accounts for 80 to 90 per cent of our vitamin D levels. The remaining 10 to 20 per cent must come from our diet. According to the German Nutrition Society, a daily intake of 20 micrograms of vitamin D is recommended during days with little sunlight.

Good dietary sources of vitamin D include:

• Fatty fish, such as salmon and herring
• Egg yolks
• Milk and dairy products
• Avocado
• Sun-exposed mushrooms

Despite these sources, many people – particularly women – still suffer from a vitamin D deficiency.

Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency

A short-term deficiency may cause symptoms such as fatigue, low energy, or an increased susceptibility to colds and flu-like infections. Long-term deficiency, however, can lead to bone pain and may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

In women with endometriosis, a lack of vitamin D can also worsen inflammatory processes, which may aggravate the condition.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Numbers

A simple blood test performed by your doctor can provide clarity. A mild vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed when the 25-OH-vitamin D (the active storage form) level in blood serum is below 50 nmol/L. Severe deficiency is considered when levels drop below 30 nmol/L.

Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency

Several factors can contribute to a vitamin D deficiency, including:

• Limited exposure to fresh air and sunlight
• A diet low in vitamin D
• Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disorders, chronic liver disease, or chronic bowel disorders (e.g., ulcerative colitis)

Additionally, certain medications, such as anti-epileptic drugs, cancer treatments, or corticosteroids, as well as herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort, can impair vitamin D metabolism.

Vitamin D and Endometriosis

Studies have shown that women with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of developing endometriosis. But why?

Immune System

The immune system plays a crucial role in both the development and progression of endometriosis. Normally, it would recognise and eliminate misplaced or foreign tissue. However, in endometriosis, certain immune cells may actually promote the growth of these lesions instead of destroying them.

These cells release pro-inflammatory messengers and growth factors that help the tissue implant and spread. The chronic inflammation caused by this process often worsens pain and other symptoms.

Maintaining a healthy and balanced immune response is, therefore, essential for managing endometriosis. Vitamin D plays a key role in this, as it strengthens the immune system while simultaneously preventing excessive inflammatory reactions.

Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis refers to the formation of new blood vessels. As you may know, in endometriosis, uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus. For these tissue islands to survive and grow, they require a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients – and that’s where angiogenesis comes into play.

The formation of new blood vessels around the endometriotic lesions ensures that these tissues receive the necessary supply to sustain themselves and continue spreading.

Scientific studies have found that certain substances that inhibit angiogenesis can reduce the growth of endometriosis by limiting its blood supply. One of these substances is vitamin D.

Keeping an Eye on Your Vitamin D Levels When You Have Endometriosis

For women with endometriosis, it may be beneficial to monitor their vitamin D levels and, if needed, have them tested. Mild vitamin D deficiencies can often be managed by spending more time outdoors during the day (even without direct sunlight) and incorporating more vitamin D-rich foods into your diet.

A balanced diet and a health-conscious lifestyle are essential for overall well-being. However, if life’s demands make it difficult to maintain healthy habits or if a deficiency has already been identified, taking supplements may be helpful.

Fertilovit® F Endo has been specially developed for women with endometriosis and contains 22 carefully selected micronutrients, including 15 µg (300% NRV = 600 IU) of vitamin D.

Small steps today can lead to big changes in your future! 💛