Vitamin C Levels Affect H. Pylori Infection

SAN FRANCISCO--Researchers from the San Francisco VA MedicalCenter found a positive association between serum ascorbic acid levels and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, according to research published inthe August 1 Journal of the American College of Nutrition (22, 4:283-9,2003) (www.jacn.org).

Examining data from 6,746 adults enrolled in the Third National Health &Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988-1994, researchers found 2,189patients with H. pylori infection. Among whites, higher serum levels of ascorbicacid were associated with a decreased seroprevalence of H. pylori; there was nosignificant association among non-whites.

According to Joel A. Simon, M.D., et al, the data indicate vitamin C statusmay affect the risk of H. pylori infection. However, he and fellow researcherswere unable to determine whether the effect was the result of confoundingfactors such as socioeconomic status. Also, it may be infection itself thatlowers vitamin C levels, according to a release from the University ofCalifornia, San Francisco. "We cannot be certain if the infection lowersblood levels of vitamin C or if higher blood levels protect againstinfection," Simon said in the release. "The bottom line is that higherlevels of vitamin C may have the potential to prevent peptic ulcers and stomachcancer."