Supporting wellness for a lifetime
and growing scientific evidence suggests that good nutrition plays a significant role at every stage. It starts with a varied diet of nutritious foods that are rich in important nutrients like omega-3s, choline and iron. As women progress into early adulthood, it’s also a good time to focus on gynecological function, including both urinary and vaginal health.
For example, as women mature, vaginal infections become more common. Between 30% and 50% suffer from bacterial vaginosis annually,1 while as many as 70% report vulvovaginal candidiasis in their lifetime.2 These infections can be especially common and problematic during pregnancy, so it’s a good idea to develop nutritional habits that support the vaginal microbiota.
Vaginal infections are often caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, which can cause bacterial overgrowth and make women more susceptible to these infections, according to Liisa Lehtoranta, R&D manager of IFF Health. “The vaginal microbiota is comprised of different bacterial community types dominated by lactobacilli--L.crispatus, L. Jensenii, and L. gasseri, all of which are associated with a healthy vaginal microbiota. A probiotic formula that contains specific strains of lactobacilli is a good way to support or restore this balance,” she explained.
While probiotics are important for many health systems throughout life, a formula specifically designed for vaginal support is essential for young women. HOWARU® Feminine Health, for example, features clinically documented probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14® and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001™, both of which have been shown to promote healthy vaginal bacteria in healthy women and those at risk of recurring infections.3
Another issue that remains common among young women is urinary tract infections, affecting nearly 20% of women in Europe.4 As these infections become more common with age, an herbal extract of bearberry leaf (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) can provide natural support for urinary tract function and help protect against infection and inflammation.
References: 1. Cohen C, et al. “Microbiome therapy protects against recurrent bacterial vaginosis: Reducing this common infection could help prevent HIV and preterm birth.” University of California – San Francisco. Science Daily. May 13, 2020. 2. Gonçalves B, et al. “Vulvovaginal candidiasis: Epidemiology, microbiology and risk factors.” Critical Review Microbiol. 2016. Nov.:42(6):905-927. 3. Russo R, et al. “Study on the effects of an oral lactobacilli and lactoferrin complex in women with intermediate vaginal microbiota.” Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2018 July;298(1):139-145. 4. Medina M and Castillo-Pino E. “An introduction to the epidemiology and burden of urinary tract infections.” Ther Adv Urol. 2019 Jan-Dec.;11:1756287219832172.
