Efficacy of Vitamin C Vaginal Tablets in Preventing Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Original paper
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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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
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.
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
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 evaluated the efficacy of vitamin C vaginal tablets as a prophylactic treatment for recurrent bacterial vaginosis (rBV). The research was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 142 women who had been successfully treated for a recent episode of BV using either metronidazole or clindamycin. These women were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin C or a placebo for six months, to prevent the recurrence of BV.
Who was Studied?
The study involved 142 women aged between 18 and 50 years who had a history of recurrent episodes of bacterial vaginosis, defined as at least two acute episodes in the past year. After successful treatment of a BV episode, participants were randomized into two groups: one receiving 250 mg of vitamin C vaginal tablets and the other a placebo. The study participants were monitored for recurrence of BV for six months.
What were the Most Important Findings?
The study demonstrated that the use of vitamin C vaginal tablets significantly reduced the recurrence rate of BV in women compared to the placebo group. After three months of treatment, the recurrence rate in the vitamin C group was 6.8%, whereas the placebo group had a recurrence rate of 14.7%. After six months, the recurrence rate was 16.2% in the vitamin C group, compared to 32.4% in the placebo group, which was statistically significant (P = 0.024). The vitamin C treatment also showed a significant pH-lowering effect, which is thought to contribute to the inhibition of pathogen overgrowth. Additionally, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the vitamin C group had a significantly lower probability of experiencing a BV relapse (P = 0.029). The treatment was well tolerated, with minimal adverse events, mostly local reactions like itching and burning.
What are the Implications of this Study?
The study highlights the potential of vitamin C vaginal tablets as an effective prophylactic treatment for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. By lowering vaginal pH, vitamin C helps re-establish a more acidic environment, preventing the overgrowth of harmful anaerobic bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis. This finding is significant for women with recurrent BV, particularly those with antibiotic-resistant strains or those who experience frequent recurrences after antibiotic therapy. Given the safety profile and efficacy of vitamin C, it presents a promising alternative or complementary approach to current BV treatments, offering a simple and non-invasive way to manage this chronic condition.
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.