Fish oil and probiotics can decrease the abundance of potential harmful bacteria in vagina

In addition to gut microbiota, we have investigated vaginal microbiota composition. Lifestyle related factors, such as diet, and obesity, can affect vaginal microbiota. Altered vaginal microbiota composition, i.e. increased amount of bacteria that are harmful for health, during pregnancy may affect maternal health and further pregnancy outcomes. We have shown that fish oil and probiotics separately or in combination can decrease the abundance of potential harmful bacteria in vagina as compared to placebo (Houttu et al. 2022). We also detected lower amount of these harmful bacteria in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus as compared to women without gestational diabetes mellitus, which is somewhat surprising. Indeed, more studies are needed.