Most women get bacterial vaginosis at childbearing age, which is the most common vaginal infection of women. A recent study shows that vaginal infection is related to the absence of Vitamin D.
Antibiotics can help fight bacterial vanginosis; however, they can result in premature birth which raises the infant mortality rate.
209 white and 260 black pregnant women were examined at a Pittsburgh clinic. The analysis of pregnant women was published in the June issue of The Journal of Nutrition and discovered that more than half of those pregnant women’s Vitamin D level was below 37 nanomoles per liter. Any level over 80 is considered to be normal.
Arranged with other factors the study shows that a Vitamin D level of 50 or less is more likely to increase bacterial vaginosis by 26 percent, where less than 20 is associated with a 65 percent increased risk.
Approximately 52 percent of black women and 27 percent of white women had bacterial vanginosis, where black women were three times more likely to lack Vitamin D. The explanation of this result might be due to the fact that darker skin prevents adequate synthesis of the vitamin.
The study does not mean that women should be “running out and taking megadoses of Vitamin D.” said by Lisa M. Bodnar, the lead author, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. “If women have concerns about Vitamin D status,” she continued, “they should talk with their doctor about whether supplements are appropriate.”
Reference: The New York Times
