The efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimen with and without vitamin C supplementation

Dig Liver Dis. 2009 Sep;41(9):644-7. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2008.09.008. Epub 2009 Jun 2.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin C in gastric juice and in vitro has been shown to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of addition of vitamin C to eradication regimen on H. pylori eradication rate.

Patients: This randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted on 312 patients with H. pylori infection who had referred to the Taleghani Research Center of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease.

Methods: Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A patients (162 patients) received amoxicillin 1g and metronidazole 500 mg b.i.d., bismuth 240 mg b.i.d. and omeprazole 40 mg q.i.d. in two divided doses. Patients in group B (150 patients) received the same regimen plus 500 mg vitamin C per day. All patients received therapy for 2 weeks. Four weeks later all patients underwent urea breath test and results were compared.

Results: A total of 140 patients in group A and 141 in group B completed the study. On intention-to-treat analysis 48.8% of patients in group A in comparison to 78% in group B responded to eradication therapy and had negative urea breath test (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: Addition of vitamin C to H. pylori treatment regimen of amoxicillin, metronidazole and bismuth can significantly increases H. pylori eradication rate.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amoxicillin / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Ulcer Agents / therapeutic use
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Bismuth / therapeutic use
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Female
  • Helicobacter Infections / drug therapy*
  • Helicobacter pylori*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metronidazole / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Omeprazole / therapeutic use
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Ulcer Agents
  • Metronidazole
  • Amoxicillin
  • Omeprazole
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Bismuth