Vitamin D deficiency, which has long been a risk factor for diseases of osteoporosis and diabetes, may play a role in infertility both for men and women, according to a research by Austrian scientists.

The finding was published in the latest issue of European Journal of Endocrinology.

After the analysis of numerous studies, Austrian physicians Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch and Elisabeth Lerchbaum found that vitamin D level was associated with the production of male hormones. More specifically, there was a link between vitamin D and the increase in testosterone levels, subsequently the semen quality.

As vitamin D played an important role in hormone production also in women, low levels of vitamin D often lead to too much testosterone, which therefore could increase the risk of infertility of women, according to Obermayer-Pietsch.

The scientists will continue to conduct further scientific studies to find out new therapeutic approaches, including the reproduction of vitamin D.