Dietary Intake of Selected Nutrients Affects Bacterial Vaginosis in Women 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 examined the relationship between dietary intake and the presence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. Researchers assessed how macronutrient and micronutrient consumption, particularly fat intake and essential vitamins, influenced the risk of BV and severe BV.
Who was Studied?
The study analyzed data from 1,521 non-pregnant women, aged 15–45, who were part of a larger longitudinal study of vaginal flora in Birmingham, Alabama. The majority (86%) were African American. Participants underwent clinical assessments and completed a food frequency questionnaire.
Most Important Findings
The study found a significant association between dietary fat intake and the risk of BV. Women consuming higher amounts of total fat, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat had an increased likelihood of BV and severe BV. Total fat intake was linked to a 50% higher risk of BV, while saturated fat and monounsaturated fat were particularly associated with severe BV.
Conversely, higher intakes of folate, vitamin E, and calcium were associated with a reduced risk of severe BV. These nutrients may support local immune function, potentially counteracting the microbial imbalance seen in BV. Energy intake had a marginal association with BV, while carbohydrate and protein intake showed no significant links. The study suggests that a high-fat diet may alter vaginal microflora, increase vaginal pH, and contribute to BV development.
Implications of the Study
Diet plays a crucial role in vaginal health, with fat consumption significantly influencing BV risk. Clinicians can reduce BV risk by advising patients to lower fat intake and increase folate, vitamin E, and calcium. Researchers should further explore how dietary fat disrupts vaginal microbiota and whether targeted nutritional changes can serve as effective prevention strategies.
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.