What deficiency causes white discharge?

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)

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:

• Mushrooms
• Cow's milk
• Tofu
• Soy milk or almond milk
• Fresh orange juice
• Red meat
• Egg yolk
• Vitamin D supplements
• Fatty fish and seafood, such as salmon, sardines, herring, tuna, oysters, shrimp and mackerel

(Read more: Vagina and vaginal health)

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:

• Nuts and seeds
• Shellfish
• Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables of the cabbage family
• Eggs
• Beans
• Cocoa
• Avocado
• Berries
• Yogurt
• Starchy vegetables
• Green vegetables

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: 

• Cranberry or cranberry juice
• Sweet potato
• Yogurt
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Apple
• Soy
• Avocado
• Green vegetables