Why a good diet may help combat infection
The findings are consistent with other studies that have noted a higher intake of fruits and vegetables among healthy people compared with those who have H. pylori infections, the study authors write. Animal studies have also indicated that taking vitamins A, C, and E and selenium can lead to a reduction in H. pylori growth.
“Several biologically plausible reasons may explain why dietary antioxidants might be, either directly or indirectly, a protective factor against H. pylori infection,” the researchers write. “It is well-known that antioxidants, with their free radical scavenging activities, can inhibit the growth of H. pylori.”
H. pylori is urease-positive and can synthesize a large amount of urease for ammonia production to neutralize gastric acid, which allows it to colonize in the stomach epithelium, the study authors write. Vitamin C inhibits urease activity and improves the stimulation of granulocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, and immunoglobulin production. Other nutrients, such as zinc, may inhibit the urease enzyme and prevent H. pylori adhesion to gastric tissues, they write.
“Dietary elements have previously been shown to dramatically alter pathogenic responses to H. pylori infections,” Richard Peek Jr., MD, professor of medicine and director of gastroenterology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn., told this news organization.
Dr. Peek, who wasn’t involved with this study, and colleagues found that iron deficiency is linked with altered bile metabolism, which can promote H. pylori–induced gastric carcinogenesis.
“The current study is important, as it suggests that shifting to a diet rich in antioxidants may be beneficial in terms of H. pylori infection,” he said.
At the same time, Dr. Peek expressed caution about generalizing the results across populations.
“Most of the persons enrolled in this study were likely infected with H. pylori as children,” he noted. “Therefore, the inverse role of antioxidant-rich diets and H. pylori infection must be interpreted with caution.”
Future studies should confirm the findings in other groups and determine whether antioxidant-rich diets limit the diseases caused by H. pylori infection, Dr. Peek added.
The study was not funded by any research center, and the authors declared no conflicts of interest. Dr. Peek reported no relevant disclosures.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.