How could diet affect VVC?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Diet may influence vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC; yeast infection) through the transfer of ingested probiotics to the vagina, and some studies suggest that daily yogurt consumption could reduce Candida colonization. Additionally, diets that are low in sugary foods might offer some protection against VVC, but the evidence is limited and inconclusive.

    The presence of oral probiotics and food-based microbes in stool and vaginal samples indicate that ingested microbes can be transferred to the vagina (likely due to its proximity to the rectum).[1] In a few small studies, some women exhibited lower Candida colonization and had fewer episodes of VVC after eating yogurt each day for several months, but these results were inconsistent.[2]

    Limited evidence suggests that diets low in sugary foods and beverages could be a protective factor, but without controlling for other variables, no firm conclusions can be drawn about the relationship between dietary sugar intake and VVC.[3]