Approximately 5% of children and 24% of adults in Germany are infected with Helicobacter pylori . The infection causes inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) and gastrointestinal complaints.
The bacteria produce ammonia and other cell toxins that irritate the stomach lining. As a result, it is no longer protected from stomach acid.
The infection is often asymptomatic, but can also cause considerable discomfort and lead to gastritis.
Typical symptoms include loss of appetite, feeling of fullness, nausea, belching, pain in the breastbone area and bad breath.
Unfortunately, an infection with Helicobacter pylori often has consequences. It can cause stomach and duodenal ulcers. In rare cases, the infection can also lead to stomach cancer.
A Helicobacter pylori infection is traditionally treated with antibiotics, which eliminate the bacteria. Unfortunately, infections with antibiotic-resistant strains have become more common recently. In this case, several antibiotics must be combined to fight the bacteria. The therapy is also supplemented with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). But even then, the therapy is not always successful.
Micronutrients can support Helicobacter pylori therapy. 
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for the immune system. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can therefore probably counteract inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
A vitamin D deficiency also increases the susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori infection.
The supply of vitamin D also seems to affect the success of the therapy: people in whom Helicobacter pylori can be successfully eliminated have higher vitamin D levels than people in whom the therapy is not successful. [1]
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric root. It is an effective antioxidant that counteracts oxidative stress. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can therefore probably reduce the risk of gastritis.
In one study, adjunctive therapy with curcumin was able to reduce markers of oxidative stress. [2]
Grapefruit seed extract
Flavonoids are secondary plant substances that have an antioxidant effect and thus counteract oxidative stress. [3] Helicobacter pylori causes oxidative stress.
Flavonoids are found in many fruits and vegetables. Grapefruit seed extract is particularly rich in flavonoids because they are present in concentrated form.
Probiotics
Helicobacter pylori displaces other bacteria that can survive in the stomach lining. Probiotic bacteria can in turn displace Helicobacter pylori . In addition, certain bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli produce antibiotic substances.
Probiotics are also very valuable in antibiotic therapy against Helicobacter pylori . They protect the intestinal flora that is attacked by the antibiotics and help to rebuild it.
Studies have shown that probiotics can increase the success of Helicobacter pylori therapy. [4]
Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Vitamin C and vitamin E are important antioxidants in the body that scavenge free radicals and thus counteract inflammation caused by infections.
Vitamin C can also weaken the acid protection of Helicobacter pylori . Vitamin C inhibits the urease enzyme with which the bacterium produces harmful ammonia. [5]
Vitamin C is also important for the immune system and helps us protect ourselves against all kinds of infections.
Conclusion: Antioxidant nutrients play an important role in therapy
Helicobacter pylori causes significant oxidative stress and inflammation in the stomach lining. Antioxidants can counteract this. In addition, nutrients and probiotics that are important for the immune system can support Helicobacter pylori therapy.
[1] https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.1067.6
[2] https://www.scielo.br/j/ag/a/Tmx87PkmjQ3HFBnt9Ky8S6R/?lang=en
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8329489/
