Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, which causes stomach pain, a feeling of fullness and nausea.
There are three types of gastritis: types A, B and C. [1]
Type A is an autoimmune disease. Immune cells attack the stomach lining. Type A is the rarest form of gastritis and occurs in about 5% of those affected.
Type B is a bacterial gastritis. It is usually caused by the stomach germ Helicobacter Pylori . 80-90% of gastritis cases are type B.
Type C is caused by chemical substances. Drugs that damage the stomach lining, such as aspirin, cortisone, and excessive alcohol consumption can cause type C. Type C accounts for approximately 10% of gastritis cases.
Acid-reducing medications are often used to treat gastritis. This is because an inflamed stomach lining cannot protect itself from acid and is further damaged by acid. Proton pump inhibitors reduce the production of stomach acid and antacids neutralize stomach acid.
Micronutrients can support the treatment of gastritis.
Vitamin B12
The gastric mucosa produces the so-called intrinsic factor (IF), which is important for the absorption of vitamin B12 . Since the gastric mucosa is damaged in gastritis, it hardly produces any intrinsic factor. This disrupts the absorption of vitamin B12 and in the long term there is a high risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency manifests itself in neurological disorders and psychological problems. Other symptoms include lack of energy, extreme tiredness, memory problems and fatigue.
The risk of vitamin B12 deficiency is particularly high in chronic gastritis type A. This is because immune cells attack the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa, which produce the intrinsic factor. [2]
Since vitamin B12 (together with vitamin B6 and folic acid) is needed to break down homocysteine , a poor supply of vitamin B12 also leads to increased homocysteine levels.
If you have gastritis, you should ensure you have a good supply of vitamin B12 and other B vitamins.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and counteract chronic inflammation, so they may also reduce inflammation caused by gastritis. [3]
Omega-3 fatty acids can also inhibit the growth of Helicobacter Pylori .
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant in the body that scavenges free radicals and counteracts oxidative stress. Oxidative stress also promotes inflammation.
People with gastritis have lower vitamin C levels than healthy people. Vitamin C levels also correlate with the severity of gastritis: the poorer the vitamin C levels, the more severe the condition. [4]
Gastritis is also associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, if you have gastritis, you should make sure you consume enough vitamin C.
Grapefruit seed extract
Grapefruit seed extract is rich in secondary plant substances such as flavonoids and polyphenols. These have an antioxidant effect and can protect the stomach lining from oxidative stress. [5]
Probiotics
The stomach is normally very acidic, which means that most bacteria cannot survive there. Gastritis affects the composition of bacteria in the stomach. The intestinal flora is also indirectly changed. An unfavorable intestinal flora promotes inflammation and can therefore worsen the consequences of gastritis. [6]
Probiotic bacteria help to build a healthy intestinal flora and promote gastrointestinal health.
Conclusion: Vitamin B12 and antioxidant nutrients should not be missing in gastritis
If you have gastritis, you are at high risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, which should be prevented. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients can help protect the stomach lining.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544250/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18609169/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4538587/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3874117/
