Can Yeast Infections Be Controlled By A Particular Vitamin?

The human body is quite interesting. We share it with other organisms, including bacteria and fungi. They make their homes in the mouth, skin, ears, nose, genitals and  other places.   

When there is a healthy balance of the 'guests,' you will not even think about their presence. But sometimes, like a healthy crop of weeds in the garden, there may be an overgrowth. And that is when a whole host of problems begin.   

The problems come in the form of some very unpleasant conditions. One of them is yeast infections, which can be present in the mouth, blood or genitals. Take the case of the latter as an example. Some symptoms include intense itching and a white, odorless, and thick discharge.  

You will also experience pain during sex or when urinating. There will also be swelling of the vagina or vulva. Suffice it to say that the level of discomfort will be hard to describe.  

The infection causing candida yeast can travel. It can get to the eyes, blood, brain or bones once it enters the bloodstream. It is crucial to ensure yeast infections are treated immediately.  

Yeast infection medication is available as an over-the-counter prescription. Anti-itch and soothing yeast cream can reduce the irritation and the urge to itch. Prebiotics also help to prevent bacterial vaginosis. Please note, if the infection keeps recurring, seek medical advice. The doctor will put you under more intensive therapy. 

But beyond yeast infection medication, there are other options you can use. Probiotics, for instance, can help. But what about vitamins?   

Benefits of Vitamin B Complex in Yeast Infection 

A 2017 study established the efficacy of vitamin B complex in treating vulvovaginal candidiasis. The application of the vitamin B complex was in the form of adjuvant therapy. This refers to use of vaccine ingredients that help create a more robust immune response. 

Vulvovaginal candidiasis refers to the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections. Some people will only experience a yeast infection once in their lifetime. For others, it is a condition they learn to live with due to the recurrence. This happens in those with weak immune systems with diseases like uncontrolled diabetes and HIV. 

Some personal hygiene habits also result in vulvovaginal candidiasis. Douching, for example, can lead to an overgrowth of fungi. The practice will affect the natural balance.  

The study had three test groups comprising people suffering from complicated vulvovaginal candidiasis.  

• Group A only received oral antifungal agents and a suppository as treatment. 
• Group B had a vaginal cream and suppository. 
• Group c had the suppositories, vaginal cream and Oral B complex. 

The research results showed that group C had higher effective rates than the other two. There was a significant reduction in inflammation responses with the increase of vitamin B complex. In essence, the vitamin elevated the effectiveness and antifungal effects of fluconazole.  

The study shows that vitamin B works in combination with the antifungal drug, not as a standalone.  

Vitamin B3 

Researchers also tested nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3 in mice. It proved to be effective in the pharmacological or genetic inhibition of Hst3. Hst3 is the primary enzyme responsible for the growth and survival of candida albican. 

Even those candida that were resistant to drugs showed susceptibility to nicotinamide. The results are a clear indicator of the broad antifungal properties of vitamin B3.   

Vitamin D3's Anti-Microbial Benefits

A 2016 study set out to show the fungicidal activities of vitamin D3 on the candida Albicans. Candida albicans is the leading cause of yeast infections. Do note that other fungi can lead to yeast infections.  

Study results showed that vitamin D3 has the power to inhibit the growth of candida. It does this by changing the cell membrane integrity of the fungi.  

Whether vitamin D can treat fungal infections still remains unclear. A lot of research still needs to go into that area.   

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid 

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and research shows that it can suppress candida activity. It does this by disrupting the process and conditions under which the fungi grows. 

Under pharmacological concentrations, vitamin C can kill candida. Its ability to do so depends on several factors. These include oxygenation, temperature, the growth phase of the candida and energy. More research is still necessary on whether it can be an effective antifungal outside of lab settings.  

But let's go back to our point about a weak immune system exacerbating yeast infections. Vitamin C is a fantastic system booster and has many benefits to the body. It has anti-microbial components that can help control candida overgrowth. Make it a part of your diet to see the benefits.  

Vitamin E  

Vitamin E has been quite effective in the management of vaginitis. There are even medications that contain vitamin E that will help with chlamydia.   

There is research to support the role of vitamin E in reducing candida Albicans inflammation. You can find effective treatments in suppositories or vitamin E oil. Such have anti-itching or soothing properties. They will help calm the irritation from the yeast infection.   

Final Thoughts 

We have shared studies surrounding the use of vitamins to control yeast infections. Some studies show its efficacy in combination with other antifungal medications. In other cases, you can find the vitamins in the form of oral pills, suppositories or gels. There still seems to be a need for a lot more research in the area, though. Using the products as a standalone may not give you the desired results.

But, one thing that remains clear is the importance of a balanced diet. A strong immune system is one of the best ways to fight yeast and other infections. Practice good personal hygiene and wear breathable cotton underwear. 

Also, avoid any practices that can lead to an imbalance in your body's ecosystem. You may, for example, think that douching and using vaginal hygiene products is a good idea. But a cursory internet search will tell you that you could be causing more harm than good.

Treat yeast infections as soon as they occur. You have the option of over-the-counter yeast infections medication. But if there doesn't seem to be any change or the infection keeps recurring, seek medical advice.