Vitamins and Helicobacter pylori: An Updated Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials from multiple countries. The evidence included adults with Helicobacter pylori infection or controls without infection, as well as patients receiving eradication therapy.

Adjunct antioxidant vitamin regimens were evaluated alongside standard Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. Included active regimens were vitamin C plus vitamin E, vitamin C alone, and vitamin C plus vitamin A; dose, route, and duration were not provided in the extracted packet.

Adjunct antioxidant vitamin supplementation improved Helicobacter pylori eradication rates when added to standard therapy. The pooled effect favored supplementation for per-protocol eradication (RR 1.22; 95% CI 1.02-1.44) and intention-to-treat eradication (RR 1.25; 95% CI 1.06-1.47). The review also found that Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with lower serum levels of several vitamins, and eradication can restore those levels. Overall, the authors concluded that multivitamin or antioxidant vitamin supplementation may be advantageous in Helicobacter pylori-positive patients.

The evidence base was heterogeneous, combining observational studies and randomized trials across different countries and populations. Arm-specific dosing and outcome data were not reported in the extracted packet, and the review noted the need for more trials to confirm benefit and clarify which vitamin regimens are most effective.