Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection and its eradication on nutrition.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of Helicobacter pylori infection and eradication on nutrition.
METHODS: The body weight, height, blood pressure, gastric juice pH and fasting serum levels of glucose, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol and triglyceride were measured in H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative subjects, and the effect of eradication of H. pylori on these parameters was determined. The development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease after treatment was also examined. Eight patients underwent a pancreatic function test before and after H. pylori eradication therapy.
RESULTS: The incidence of hypoproteinaemia in H. pylori-positive subjects was significantly higher than that in H. pylori-negative subjects. After eradication of H. pylori, the gastric juice pH values were significantly decreased, and the body weight and serum levels of total cholesterol, total protein and albumin were significantly increased. The incidence of hyperlipidaemia significantly increased and that of hypoproteinaemia significantly decreased in the group with eradication. Pancreatic function improved significantly after eradication of H. pylori. No significant changes in these parameters were observed in the group without eradication. Obese patients had a higher risk of the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease after eradication of H. pylori infection.
CONCLUSIONS: The eradication of H. pylori appears to improve some nutritional parameters.