Lymphocytic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori, and gastric cancer: is vitamin C the common link?

Helicobacter Pylori Eradication with Beta Carotene, Ascorbic Acid and Allicin

In this study, in vivo effectiveness of ascorbic acid (AA), beta carotene (BC) and allicin in HP eradication were evaluated. 210 patients who are HP positive in biopsy were involved in this study. The patients randomised to seven treatment groups (each group consisting of 30 patients). The first group was given standard eradication treatment (lansaprasol 30 mg bid, clarithromycin 500 mg bid, amoxicillin 1 g bid for 14 days). Second group received AA 1000 mg/day in addition to the standard treatment. Third group received only AA 1000 mg/day for 14 days. Fourth group was treated with standard regiment plus 120 mg/day BC. Fifth group was given only BC 120 mg/day for 14 days. Sixth group was given standard regiment and allicin 4200 μg/day. Seventh group received only Allicin 1200 μg/day for 14 days. The eradication was achieved in 20 (66.6 %) in group I, 15 (50 %) in group II, 3 (10 %) in group III, 15 (50 %) in group IV, 0 (0 %) in group V, 27 (90 %) in group VI and 7 (23.3 %) in group VII. Allicin seemed to be potentially effective agent for HP eradication but ascorbic acid, beta caroten was found to be ineffective.

Relation of serum ascorbic acid to Helicobacter pylori serology in US adults: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

PURPOSE

To examine the relation between serum ascorbic acid and Helicobacter pylori serology from a probability sample of US adults.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Data from 6,746 adults (ages 20 to 90 years) enrolled in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988-1994 were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression models were examined taking into account sample weights and the complex survey design of NHANES III, and controlling for the effects of potential confounders. Because race appeared to modify the association between serum ascorbic acid and seropositivity to H. pylori, we conducted the analyses stratified by race.

RESULTS

A total of 2,189 adults (32%) had a positive serology for H. pylori, and, of these, 1,175 (54%) were positive for the CagA antigen. Among whites, a 0.50 mg/dL increase in serum ascorbic acid level was associated with decreased seroprevalence of H. pylori (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) CI 0.82-0.96, p < 0.01). In analyses that controlled for seroprevalence of H. pylori, a 0.50 mg/dL increase in serum ascorbic acid level among whites was independently associated with a decreased seroprevalence of the pathogenic cagA-positive strain of H. pylori (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.12-0.79, p < 0.05). Serum ascorbic acid levels were not significantly associated with H. pylori serology among non-whites (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher serum levels of ascorbic acid were associated with a decreased seroprevalence of H. pylori and of the pathogenic cagA-positive strain of H. pylori among whites. If these associations are related causally and are not the result of residual confounding by factors such as socioeconomic status, ascorbic acid may affect the risk of H. pylori infection and in turn, the risk for peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer among white Americans.