#90 : Association of Serum Vitamin D Level with Asthenozoospermic Male

Background and Aims: Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common health problems throughout the world and has an effect on reproductive process. But there is conflicting data about potential association between serum vitamin D level and semen quality. Currently available data indicate that vitamin D has a vital role in sperm motility which is crucial for fertility. The aim was to evaluate the association of serum vitamin D level with asthenozoospermic male, a medical condition characterized by reduced sperm motility which can lead to male infertility.

Method: This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted on 314 men attending the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Considering the eligibility criteria all participants were categorized into two groups; Group-I: 157 asthenozoospermic male, Group-II: normozoospermic male, according to WHO ‘strict’ criteria 2010. Blood and semen samples were obtained for assessment, and data were adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), total motility and progressive motility. Vitamin D levels were classified according to the Endocrine Society Guideline. Statistical analyses were carried out by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 for Windows.

Results: It was observed that mean vitamin D level was 16.63± 5.54 ng/ml in asthenozoospermic group and 19.83± 5.33 ng/ml in normozoospermic group. Mean vitamin D level was significantly (p<0.05) lower in asthenozoospermic group. It was noticed, 86.6% patients were vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/ml) in asthenozoospermic group compared to 56.7% in normozoospermic group. Low vitamin D is 5 times increased risk of developing asthenozoospermia at 95% CI (2.74-8.99). There was a positive significant correlation (r=0.285; p<0.001) between serum vitamin D level with total motility and progressive motility (r=0.232; p<0.001).

Conclusion: Study showed a significant association between low serum vitamin D level and Asthenozoospermia. But cross-sectional study makes it difficult to establish causal relationship. Hence, higher quality studies are required.