There is a direct link between diet and vaginal microbiota health

There is a direct link between diet and the balance of the vaginal microbiota, which is essential for women’s well-being and reproductive health. This is demonstrated by a study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, carried out by a group of researchers from the University of Bologna.

Starting from a sample of 113 young women, the investigation analysed the relationship between the composition of the vaginal flora and dietary habits. It showed that high consumption of animal proteins or alcohol leads to an imbalance in the microenvironment, whereas a diet rich in fibre, starch, plant proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids fosters a more stable and resilient microbiota.

This study is the first to demonstrate a direct link between diet and the composition of the vaginal microbiota, highlighting in particular the key role of macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in shaping the balance of the microenvironment,” explains Antonella Marangoni, Professor in the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences at the University of Bologna and one of the study’s coordinators. “The results we obtained open new perspectives for the prevention of vaginal disorders, especially in women prone to recurrences or in delicate stages of life, such as pregnancy.”

The foundation of a healthy vaginal microbiota lies in the activity of lactobacilli, beneficial bacteria that inhibit the colonisation and growth of harmful microorganisms. A lack of lactobacilli and the consequent increase in certain species of anaerobic bacteria – capable of surviving in oxygen-free environments – leads to bacterial vaginosis: a condition associated with a higher risk of infections and complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

While the role of diet among the factors regulating the vaginal microbiota was already recognised, until now it was unclear how different macronutrients could support or disrupt its balance. investigate this aspect, the researchers carried out a cross-sectional study of 113 young women aged 19 to 30, examining the relationship between their dietary habits and microbiota composition.

“The data show that high consumption of alcohol or animal proteins – especially from red or processed meat – is associated with an imbalance in the vaginal microenvironment, with a greater presence of pathogens typically linked to bacterial vaginosis,” says Marangoni. “The intake of animal proteins may, on the one hand, increase levels of inflammatory markers and thus alter the balance of the microenvironment, and, on the other hand, lead to the production of potentially toxic metabolites, thereby promoting the growth of harmful bacteria.”

So which foods help maintain the balance of the vaginal microbiota? The answer lies in a diet rich in fibre, starch, plant proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids, found for example in seeds and nuts.

“Regular consumption of these foods was associated with a more stable and resilient microbiota, with a strong predominance of Lactobacillus crispatus: a bacterium linked to vaginal well-being, thanks to its production of protective metabolites for the mucosa and its antimicrobial activity,” confirms Marangoni. “We also know that omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in reducing inflammation in the gut, and we can hypothesise a similar effect in the vaginal environment. Meanwhile, plant proteins, fibre, and starch help prevent the proliferation of microorganisms that can lead to bacterial vaginosis.”

In short, diet plays a key role in intimate health too: cutting down on alcohol and animal proteins and eating more plant proteins and healthy fats can help protect the vaginal environment.

“These results also confirm the importance of the so-called ‘gut-vagina axis,’ that is, the systemic interaction between diet, intestinal microbiota, and vaginal flora,” adds Marangoni. “A healthy diet can promote vaginal balance by regulating the transfer of bacterial species between the gut and the vagina and by modulating the levels and types of metabolites produced by the microbiota.”

The study was published  in the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology with the title “Dietary habits and vaginal environment: can a beneficial impact be expected?” The University of Bologna team included Marielle Ezekielle Djusse, Sara Morselli, Claudio Foschi, Paola Castellano, and Antonella Marangoni from the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, together with Francesca Danesi and Luca Laghi from the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences.