Decreased iron stores in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection is improved by eradication without corresponding changes in the intake of iron and vitamin C

Abstract

Background: The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and iron metabolism has not been well studied in Japan. We examined the association of H. pylori infection and its eradication to iron metabolism. Methods: A total of 654 adults who completed a health survey in 2012 were enrolled. H. pylori stool antigen was tested and serum antibody titer and serum iron, ferritin and pepsinogen levels were estimated. Subjects reported on their daily intake of the diets to calculate daily intake of iron and vitamin C. Among the H. pylori-infected patients surveyed in 2012, 177 patients completed the same health survey in 2014. For these patients, the change of daily intake of iron and vitamin C and serum iron and ferritin levels were examined. Results: In 2012, 244 subjects (37.3%) were considered as infected with H. pylori. In male subjects aged 35–64 years, serum level of ferritin was 77.5 (SD 53.1) ng/mL in infected patients and 130.6 (114.3) ng/mL in non-infected subjects (p < 0.05). In female subjects who received successful eradication therapy, serum level of ferritin increased from 47.9 (35.2) to 61.0 (35.4) ng/mL (p < 0.05). The daily intake of iron and vitamin C was not significantly different between H. pylori-infected and non-infected subjects. Successful eradication did not change daily intake of iron and vitamin C. Conclusions: Lower serum levels of ferritin were observed in Japanese patients with H. pylori infection. Eradication of H. pylori increased the serum level of ferritin without corresponding changes in the intake of iron and vitamin C.

Keywords

• helicobacter pylori
• eradication
• vitamin c
• iron store