Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that
affects about 30% of women between the ages of 14 and 50. It is caused
by changes to the normal chemical and biological balance of the vaginal
microflora (healthy bacteria vs. problematic bacteria).
Having a low level of Vitamin D increases the risk of
bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection linked to adverse
pregnancy outcomes, suggests a new study of 469 women who were
participating in a pregnancy cohort study. Vitamin D blood levels below
20 nmol/L were associated with a 34% increase in the prevalence of
bacterial vaginosis compared to women with vitamin D levels over 80
nmol/L.
The researchers led by Dr. Lisa Bodnar from the University of
Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, found a protective effect
from vitamin D most likely due to the vitamin’s influence on the immune
system. Dr. Bodnar et al examined the pelvises of 469 pregnant women
before week 16 of their pregnancy. Blood samples allowed for the
measurement of serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the
non-active “storage” form.
According to the study, 41% of all the women had BV, and 52
% were classed as vitamin D deficient, equivalent to 25(OH)D levels
below 37.5 nmol/L. Women with BV were found to have a lower average
25(OH)D levels (29.5 nmol/L) compared to women free of BV (40.1
nmol/L), said the researchers. Looking at the same issue from another
angle, 57% of women with low 25(OH)D levels lower than 20 nmol/L had
BV, while BV was diagnosed in only 23% of women with a 25(OH)D levels
over 80 nmol/L. The study is published online ahead of print, in the
April 8th, 2009 issue of the Journal
of Nutrition.
