Association Between Dietary Patterns and Bacterial Vaginosis Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, where the typically dominant Lactobacillus species are significantly reduced, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was Studied?
This study investigated the relationship between dietary patterns and bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. Researchers analyzed how different diets influenced BV risk, focusing on five major dietary patterns: “Healthy diet,” “Unhealthy diet,” “Ovo-vegetarian diet,” “Pseudo-Mediterranean diet,” and “Western diet.”
Who was Studied?
The study included 144 women diagnosed with BV and 151 healthy controls. Participants were recruited from a gynecology clinic in Tehran, Iran, between November 2020 and June 2021. Researchers assessed dietary intake using a food frequency questionnaire and diagnosed BV using the Amsel criteria.
Most Important Findings
Women who followed an “Unhealthy diet” high in sugar, solid oils, red meat, sweets, fried potatoes, and refined grains had a significantly higher risk of BV. Those in the highest tertile of this diet were more than three times as likely to have BV compared to those in the lowest tertile.
Conversely, the “Ovo-vegetarian diet,” rich in vegetables, beans, whole grains, and eggs, was strongly associated with a lower BV risk. Women in the highest adherence group for this diet had an 84% lower chance of BV compared to those in the lowest adherence group.
The study also observed a protective but not statistically significant effect of the “Pseudo-Mediterranean diet,” which includes nuts, fish, olives, and olive oil. No clear association was found between BV and the “Healthy diet” or “Western diet.”
Microbiome analysis linked the “Unhealthy diet” with a disruption in vaginal flora, favoring BV-associated bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteroides spp., Mobiluncus spp., and Mycoplasma hominis. In contrast, the “Ovo-vegetarian diet” promoted conditions favorable for Lactobacillus dominance, which helps maintain vaginal health.
Implications of the Study
This study reinforces the role of diet in vaginal microbiome balance and BV risk. Clinicians should encourage patients to reduce processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats while promoting a plant-based diet rich in fiber, whole grains, and essential nutrients. Future research should explore whether dietary modifications can serve as an effective strategy for BV prevention and treatment.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, where the typically dominant Lactobacillus species are significantly reduced, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria.
Amsel Criteria
Amsel's Criteria is a clinically established diagnostic method for bacterial vaginosis, offering a practical and accessible alternative to laboratory-based approaches. It evaluates four key clinical indicators, ensuring timely diagnosis and intervention in outpatient settings.