Vitamin C Levels Predict H. Pylori Infection

INTRODUCTION
Individuals who are infected with the ulcer-causing bacterium h. pylori suffer from low levels of vitamin C, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

In the largest study to date to look at the relationship between vitamin C and h. pylori infection, researchers studied data and blood samples gathered from a random sample of 6,746 adults during NHANES III, the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted between 1988 and 1994.

The study authors used data from 20- to 90-year-old subjects collected during the first phase of NHANES III, conducted from October 1988 through October of 1991.

To determine the rate of infection with this bacterium that has been linked to stomach cancer, the researchers tested stored blood samples. Nearly one-third (2,189 subjects or 32 percent) of the 6,746 participants tested positive for H. pylori and 54 percent of the subjects who tested positive were infected by an especially toxic strain of the bacterium. The investigators also tested the blood samples to determine the vitamin C levels of subjects. The researchers discovered that white participants with the highest blood levels of vitamin C had a 25 percent lower rate of infection with h. pylori. In addition, higher levels of vitamin C were connected to a lower prevalence of the more toxic strain of H. pylori.

The results do not show whether vitamin C actually prevents h. pylori infection or if the infection itself lowers blood levels of vitamin C. Past animal studies, however, suggest that vitamin C intake may reduce infection. Regardless, the study authors suggested that anyone who tests positive for h. pylori as well as all Americans increase their vitamin C intake.

Reference:

Simon JA, Hudes ES, Perez-Perez GI. Relation of Serum Ascorbic Acid to Helicobacter pylori Serology in US Adults: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. J Am Coll Nutr. 2003 Aug;22(4):283-9.

Based on the results of this study, people who are prone to ulcers or anyone who wants to protect themselves against H. pylori may want to consider taking a vitamin C supplement (such as VRP's C-Plus).

The information in this article is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional, and has not been approved by the U.S. FDA.

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