Consequences of Helicobacter pylori infection on the absorption of micronutrients

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested a relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and various important micronutrients, including iron and vitamin B12, suggesting likely biological factors in the association between Helicobacter pylori and microcytic or macrocytic anaemia. There is some evidence that direct or indirect consequences of Helicobacter pylori gastritis on acid secretion account for the role of the bacterium in the absorption process of iron and Vitamin B12. The plasma, intragastric and mucosal concentration of different antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid, a-tocopherol and beta-carotene is also affected by Helicobacter pylori gastritis supporting the possible role of Helicobacter pylori in the multistep cascade leading to gastric carcinogenesis. The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and micronutrients is, therefore, a promising and, until now, poorly investigated field of research.