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Vitamin B Complex for Vaginitis

Jul 18, 2011 | By Kathryn Gilhuly
Vitamin B Complex for Vaginitis
Photo Credit Keith Brofsky/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Vitamin B complex is not likely to treat vaginitis. Extremely slim evidence suggests that one of the B vitamins -- biotin -- may treat yeast infections, one type of vaginitis. But little is known about biotin -- so little that no recommended daily allowance has been firmly established. And not all vitamin B complex supplements contain biotin. Taking vitamin B complex exposes you to many possibly harmful side effects

Vaginitis

Vaginitis symptoms include vaginal discharge, pain and itching. It includes four basic types: bacterial vaginosis, an overgrowth of organisms in your vagina; yeast infections, usually caused by a fungus called candida albicans; vaginal atrophy, a result of lower estrogen levels following menopause; and trichomoniasis, a parasite transmitted through sexual intercourse. Prescription medicine can treat vaginal infections caused by bacterial or fungal infections or because of vaginal atrophy. Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams or suppositories may resolve yeast infections.

Study

A study published in October 1998 in "Obstetrics and Gynecology" reported that a woman with chronic vaginal candidiasis -- yeast infection -- found relief after taking biotin -- vitamin B-7 -- for 14 months. C.M. Strom, a doctor with the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center, said that about 1 in 120 women might suffer from biotin deficiency and, if women with such a deficiency experience chronic yeast infections, they might benefit from biotin supplements. The report did not mention how much biotin the woman took. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include hair thinning, loss of hair color, and a rash around your eyes, nose and mouth. You may also experience depression, hallucinations, and tingling in your arms and legs.

Vitamin B Deficiency

Unless you suffer from a deficiency, few medical reasons exist to take B vitamins individually or in complex formulas. Niacin -- vitamin B-3 -- prescribed by your doctor -- but not niacinamide in supplements -- proves effective in improving cholesterol levels and reducing hardening of the arteries. Vitamin B-2 -- riboflavin -- may help prevent migraine headaches and vitamin B-3 may also offer relief from them. Other uses for vitamin B with at least minimal scientific backing include treating arthritis, relieving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and preventing age-related memory loss. Persons susceptible to vitamin B deficiencies include people who abuse alcohol, women who take birth control pills, older adults and persons with malabsorption diseases such as Crohn's.

Side Effects

Some home remedies to treat vaginitis -- a cold compress to relieve discomfort from a yeast infection, for instance -- pose no harm. But, if you self-medicate with B complex, you put yourself at risk for side effects. Some are fairly minor -- rashes, diarrhea, nausea and headaches. Others, however, prove serious. Taking more vitamin B than you need -- and some formulas contain more than 6,000 percent of the RDA for some B vitamins -- puts you at risk for liver damage, vision loss, stomach ulcers, gout, and nerve and brain damage.

References

Article reviewed by Basil Sinclair Last updated on: Jul 18, 2011

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