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New study evaluates the link between vitamin D deficiency and bacterial vaginosis
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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge; there are 4 million cases every year in the U.S. While the symptoms are annoying and even uncomfortable, BV is also a serious medical condition that increases a woman’s risk of acquiring an HIV or gonorrhea if exposed, increases her risk of serious uterine infections, and also increases her risk of a premature delivery.
BV is a change in the normal bacterial balance in the vagina. Normal protective bacteria (lactobacilli) are replaced with more harmful bacteria, which cause the symptoms and the serious complications of BV.
A single episode of BV is relatively easy to treat. Unfortunately, recurrent BV is common; 20-40% of cases will reoccur within three months and by nine moth 80% of women are re-infected. The reasons behind this transition from acute to chronic infection are poorly understood.
A study released in the June issue of the Journal of Nutrition sheds some light on the mystery of BV. This study evaluated the vitamin D levels of 469 women with BV in early pregnancy. The findings? Low vitamin D levels more than doubled a woman’s risk of BV; 57% of women with low levels had BV versus 23% of women with normal vitamin D.
What is vitamin D? Present in few foods, the primary source is vitamin D supplemented milk, supplements, or sun exposure (when ultraviolet light strikes the skin it triggers vitamin D production). Vitamin D is essential for the body to absorb calcium from food. It also plays an important role in the health of nerves and muscles and well as supporting healthy immune function and combating inflammation.
BV is more common among African-American women. The results of this study may also help explain that disparity, as darker pigment affects the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D.
What does this study mean for all women with BV? As it was performed in pregnancy it may not be directly applicable to non-pregnant women; however, it seams reasonable that a woman with recurrent BV have her vitamin D level tested. Given our use of sunscreen and sun avoidance (both important to prevent skin cancer) vitamin D deficiency in the U.S. is on the rise. If the vitamin D level is low, appropriate replacement is indicated. Food sources include vitamin D fortified milk and cereals as well as fatty fish, such as salmon, although many people with vitamin D deficiency may need to take supplements.
Replacing vitamin D alone is unlikely to cure BV, but it may be an important piece to this vexing puzzle.
For more info: on Vitamin D and Bacterial Vaginosis
Remember, this column does not constitute individual medical advice
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