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Reproductive Health
Published in: Reproductive Health 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Contraception | Research

Associations between dietary micronutrient intake and molecular-Bacterial Vaginosis

Authors: Susan Tuddenham, Khalil G. Ghanem, Laura E. Caulfield, Alisha J. Rovner, Courtney Robinson, Rupak Shivakoti, Ryan Miller, Anne Burke, Catherine Murphy, Jacques Ravel, Rebecca M. Brotman

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Objectives

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a clinical condition characterized by decreased vaginal Lactobacillus spp., is difficult to treat. We examined associations between micronutrient intake and a low-Lactobacillus vaginal microbiota as assessed by molecular methods (termed “molecular-BV”).

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis utilized data collected at the baseline visit of the Hormonal Contraception Longitudinal Study, a cohort of reproductive-aged women followed over 2 years while initiating or ceasing hormonal contraception (HC). The Block Brief 2000 Food Frequency Questionnaire was administered and micronutrient intakes were ranked. Vaginal microbiota composition was assessed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and clustered into community state types (CSTs) based on the types and relative abundance of bacteria detected. Associations between the lowest estimated quartile intake of nutrients and having a low-Lactobacillus CST (molecular-BV) were evaluated by logistic regression. Separate models were built for each nutrient controlling for age, body mass index, behavioral factors, HC use and total energy intake. We also conducted a literature review of existing data on associations between micronutrient intakes and BV.

Results

Samples from 104 women were included in this analysis. Their mean age was 25.8 years (SD 4.3), 29.8% were African American, 48.1% were using HC, and 25% had molecular-BV. In adjusted multivariable analyses, the lowest quartile of betaine intake was associated with an increased odds of molecular-BV (aOR 9.2, p value < 0.01, [CI 2.4–35.0]).

Conclusions

This is the first study to assess the association between estimated micronutrient intake and molecular-BV. Lower energy-adjusted intake of betaine was associated with an increased risk of molecular-BV. Betaine might have direct effects on the vaginal microenvironment or may be mediated through the gut microbiota. Additional research is needed to determine reproducibility of this finding and whether improved intake of select micronutrients such as betaine decreases the risk of BV and its sequelae.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Associations between dietary micronutrient intake and molecular-Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors
Susan Tuddenham
Khalil G. Ghanem
Laura E. Caulfield
Alisha J. Rovner
Courtney Robinson
Rupak Shivakoti
Ryan Miller
Anne Burke
Catherine Murphy
Jacques Ravel
Rebecca M. Brotman
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-019-0814-6

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