Regular vaginal discharge is a sign of a healthy female reproductive system. Normal vaginal discharge is a mixture of cervical mucus, vaginal fluid, dead cells and bacteria. Women may have heavy vaginal discharge during sexual arousal or ovulation. However, excessive vaginal discharge with a foul odour or unusual appearance can be a sign of a serious condition.

In this article, we will talk about the nutritional deficiencies that can cause white vaginal discharge (leucorrhea).

(Read more: Ayurvedic treatment for white discharge)

 
  1. What deficiency causes white discharge?
  2. Other causes of white discharge
  3. Summary
Doctors for What deficiency causes white discharge?

White discharge can be caused by vitamin C deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, estrogen deficiency and even an increase in the vaginal pH. Read further to know about these causes of leucorrhea in more detail.

Vitamin C deficiency

Yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes white vaginal discharge apart from burning and itching. Many times, due to increasing infection, white discharge starts coming out in excess. Vitamin C is effective in such a situation. Vitamin C generally boosts the immune system. A strong immune system can help prevent or reduce recurrence of any infection. Infections can not only be prevented but white discharge can also be controlled by having Vitamin C. Citrus fruits and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and supplements can also be taken to overcome vitamin C deficiency.

(Read more: Diet for fungal infection)

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Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is the biggest reason for the smelly and excessive white discharge. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to the disorder Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis (DIV), which results in excessive vaginal discharge. Apart from this, problems like yellow vaginal discharge, vulvovaginal burning, pruritus and dyspareunia can also be experienced due to this disorder. The cause of this disorder is not known but it is believed to be caused by infection, hormonal imbalance or inflammatory etiology.

It has been proved in research that vitamin D deficiency is found in most women who have DIV disorder. Research also found that when the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-HD) was normalized, this problem was solved. Research has found that DIV may be associated with vitamin D deficiency and that heavy white discharge is a common symptom of DIV.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient whose main source is considered to be sunlight. If you are not able to absorb vitamin D from sunlight for some reason, then some other foods can make up for the deficiency of vitamin D, such as:

(Read more: Vagina and vaginal health)

Estrogen deficiency

One of the reasons for white vaginal discharge is an estrogen deficiency. Estrogen deficiency in women can be due to many reasons. One of them is the eating disorder anorexia. Anorexia is usually caused by a deficiency of zinc, vitamin D, copper, selenium and vitamin B1. The deficiency of these nutrients is also related to white vaginal discharge as it may be due to estrogen deficiency. In such a situation, it is necessary to consume foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals like zinc, vitamin D, copper, selenium and vitamin B1, such as:

Increased level of vaginal pH level

High vaginal pH levels (higher than 4.5) allow unhealthy bacteria to thrive. A balanced vaginal pH level is between 3.8 and 4.5. Having a high vaginal pH increases the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), which causes grey, white or yellow-smelling vaginal discharge. High vaginal pH levels can be caused by a number of nutritional deficiencies. Including some healthy superfoods in your diet can help control vaginal discharge caused due to high vaginal pH levels. Try foods like: 

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), vaginal discharge begins to form during puberty. During a woman's menstrual cycle, the amount and consistency of this discharge may change. But getting excessive discharge can be due to many reasons like:

(Read more: Leucorrhoea causes and home remedies)

The white discharge leaking from the vagina helps clean the sexual organs and keep them healthy. Most of the women experience vaginal discharge throughout the month due to hormonal changes. It can also be a sign of pregnancy or infection. If you notice a change in the amount, type, color or smell of normal discharge, then it should not be ignored. If there is any change in the colour, consistency or smell of the white discharge, then the doctor should be consulted without delay.

(Read more: Homeopathic treatment for Leucorrhoea)

Dr. Arpan Kundu

Dr. Arpan Kundu

Obstetrics & Gynaecology
7 Years of Experience

Dr Sujata Sinha

Dr Sujata Sinha

Obstetrics & Gynaecology
30 Years of Experience

Dr. Pratik Shikare

Dr. Pratik Shikare

Obstetrics & Gynaecology
5 Years of Experience

Dr. Payal Bajaj

Dr. Payal Bajaj

Obstetrics & Gynaecology
20 Years of Experience

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