Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that live in extreme cold or hot temperatures and certain places in humans, such as your intestines. Although most bacteria do not harm you, certain strains can cause illnesses including diarrhea, otitis media, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections. Vitamin deficiencies can increase your risk of bacterial infections. Vitamin supplements may reduce your risk of incidence and severity of bacterial diseases. Consult your doctor about bacteria and vitamins.
Ear Infections
Otitis media is a bacterial infection that affects the middle ear that occurs when fluid in the
eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the nose, become filled with fluid. Otitis media affects primarily children and is characterized by fever, pain and difficulty hearing. Research by scientists at Gaziosmanpasa University in Tokat, Turkey and published in the "International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology" in April 2007 indicates that vitamin A can reduce the severity of infection from otitis media.
Ulcers
Blood levels of vitamin B-12 may indicate your risk for bacterial-induced stomach and intestinal ulcers. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is common among vegetarians who do not eat animal products and the elderly who do not properly digest the nutrient. Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that causes stomach and intestinal ulcers. Research by scientists at Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel and published in the "Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology" in February 2003 indicates that decreased blood levels of vitamin B-12 are associated with increased risk of infection from H. pylori.
Vaginal Infections
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection characterized by overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina and an imbalance of the normal bacterial environment of the vagina. The signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include abnormal amounts of vaginal discharge with a fishy smell. Scientists at Polichem in Lugano, Switzerland conducted a randomized, double blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the effectiveness and safety of vitamin C in treating women with bacterial vaginosis. The results published in "Arzneimittel-Forschung" in 2011 indicate that the use of vitamin C vaginal tablets is effective and safe in treating the infection.
Respiratory Infections
Vitamin D can reduce the risk of lower respiratory infections. Research by scientists at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco and published in "Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension"; in July 2008 indicates that vitamin D plays a vital role in defending the human body from infectious diseases from bacteria. Significantly more children with acute lower respiratory infection who require supplementary oxygen and ventilator management are vitamin D deficient, according to research by scientists at Nihon University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan and published in "Pediatrics International" in April 2011.
References
- MayoClinic.com; What's the Difference between a Bacterial Infection and a Viral Infection?; James Steckelberg; October 13 2009
- World Health Organization; Vitamin A Deficiency; 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Otitis Media; 2011
- "International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology"; Efficacy of Vitamin a in Experimentally Induced Acute Otitis Media; Ibrahim Aladag, et al.; Apr 2007
- Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University; Vitamin B12; Victoria Drake; August 2007
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; H. Pylori and Peptic Ulcers; 2010
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