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

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.