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1 . 2021

Role of vitamin D in women's reproductive health

Abstract

Vitamin D with its steroid structure is currently considered as a hormone. New target cells of this hormone have been identified, including those in the organs of the reproductive system.

The aim - to analyze modern sources of domestic and foreign scientific literature covering the role of vitamin D in the reproductive health of women of different ages.

Results. The Russian Federation is endemic in terms of vitamin D deficiency. According to statistics, a lack of this vitamin is observed in 70-90% of the population of the USA and European countries, which brings this problem to the international level. It has been established that vitamin D affects not only bone-mineral homeostasis, but also many organs and tissues, including the reproductive system, namely the ovaries, uterus, placental tissue, pituitary gland and male reproductive organs. Studies have proven the positive effect of this hormone on the course of polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, diabetes mellitus (including gestational). In addition, it has been shown that vitamin D is an important micronutrient during pregravid preparation, and the normalization of its level can improve the quality and increase the life expectancy of women after 50-60 years.

Conclusion. Vitamin D plays an important role in many physiological processes, including the effects on the organs of the reproductive system. The significant influence of this vitamin can be traced from the beginning of intrauterine development to the end of life, which makes its further study an important area of modern medicine, including within the framework of obstetrics and gynecology.

Keywords:pregnancy, fertility, vitamin D, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome

Funding. The study was not sponsored.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

For citation: Kupina A.D., Petrov Yu.A. Role of vitamin D in women's reproductive health. Voprosy pitaniia [Problems of Nutrition]. 2021; 90 (1): 6-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33029/0042-8833-2021-90-1-6-14 (in Russian)

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CHIEF EDITOR
CHIEF EDITOR
Viktor A. Tutelyan
Full Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Scientific Director of the Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety (Moscow, Russia)

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