What vitamins does H. pylori deplete? A Comprehensive Nutrition Guide

October 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects over half of the world's population, with chronic infection leading to significant nutrient malabsorption. Understanding what vitamins does H. pylori deplete? is crucial for managing the nutritional impact of this common bacterium.

Quick Summary

Chronic H. pylori infection causes gastritis and altered stomach acid levels, which significantly impairs the absorption of several vital nutrients, including vitamin B12, C, D, A, E, and folate.

Key Points

Impaired Absorption is Key: H. pylori induces chronic gastritis, lowering stomach acid and leading to malabsorption of several vitamins.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Reduced stomach acid and intrinsic factor production severely hinder the absorption of vitamin B12, potentially causing megaloblastic anemia.
Antioxidant Depletion: Vitamins C and E are significantly depleted by the oxidative stress caused by the chronic gastric inflammation.
Folate Metabolism Disruption: Altered gastric pH can interfere with folate absorption, contributing to deficiencies.
Vitamin D Correlation: Studies show an inverse relationship, with lower vitamin D levels linked to higher infection rates and poorer eradication outcomes.
Nutrient Restoration Post-Treatment: Successful eradication of H. pylori often leads to the restoration of normal nutrient levels.
Targeted Nutrition and Supplementation: Supporting dietary intake and consulting a doctor for supplementation can help correct existing deficiencies.

The Core Mechanisms of H. pylori-Induced Deficiency

H. pylori primarily depletes nutrients by creating an environment in the stomach that hinders proper absorption. The bacterium causes chronic gastritis, which can progress to atrophic gastritis, reducing the stomach's ability to produce acid and intrinsic factor. This lower stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) is a major factor in nutrient malabsorption.

Key mechanisms of depletion include:

Chronic Inflammation: Damages cells involved in nutrient uptake.
Altered Gastric pH: Reduces the breakdown of nutrients from food.
Increased Oxidative Stress: Consumes antioxidant vitamins.

Key Vitamins and Nutrients Depleted by H. pylori

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

H. pylori infection is a significant cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. Reduced stomach acid and intrinsic factor, both essential for B12 absorption and affected by H. pylori-induced gastritis, impair the body's ability to absorb this vital vitamin. Deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including anemia and neurological problems.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Research suggests H. pylori infection is linked to lower vitamin C levels in the stomach and blood. Inflammation increases oxidative stress, using up vitamin C, and elevated stomach pH makes the vitamin less stable. Successful treatment can help restore vitamin C levels.

Vitamin D

Studies show an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and H. pylori infection. Lower vitamin D may also reduce the success of H. pylori treatment.

Other Affected Vitamins: A, E, and Folate

H. pylori may also affect other nutrients:

Vitamin A (Beta-carotene): Reduced stomach acid can decrease the availability of beta-carotene.
Vitamin E (Alpha-tocopherol): Oxidative stress from inflammation can lower vitamin E levels.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Altered gastric pH might negatively impact folate absorption.

Comparison of Nutrient Absorption: Infected vs. Healthy Stomach


Feature	H. pylori Infected Stomach	Healthy Stomach
Gastric Acid (HCl) Production	Often reduced (hypochlorhydria) or absent (achlorhydria).	Normal, sufficient levels.
Intrinsic Factor Secretion	Reduced due to damaged parietal cells.	Normal secretion levels.
Vitamin B12 Absorption	Significantly impaired due to low acid and intrinsic factor.	Efficient and healthy.
Antioxidant Levels	Depleted (Vitamin C, E) due to oxidative stress.	Stable, healthy levels.
Gastric pH	Elevated, often above optimal levels.	Highly acidic (low pH).
Folate Absorption	Potentially impaired due to high pH.	Normal absorption.

Nutritional Interventions to Address H. pylori's Effects

Addressing nutrient deficiencies involves treating the infection and supporting nutrient intake. Eradicating the bacteria is vital for restoring normal absorption.

Strategies include:

Prioritize Eradication: Treat the H. pylori infection as advised by a healthcare professional.
Boost Nutrient Intake: Eat foods rich in affected vitamins like B12, C, and D.
Support Antioxidant Defenses: Consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and E.
Consider Supplementation: Discuss with a doctor if supplementation is needed for confirmed deficiencies.

The Role of Vitamin Supplementation

While a balanced diet is important, supplementation may be needed for documented deficiencies. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Conclusion

H. pylori infection can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins, including B12, C, D, A, E, and folate, by causing gastritis and altering the gastric environment. Treating the infection is the most effective approach to restoring nutrient levels. Medical treatment combined with dietary support and potential supplementation can help manage these nutritional consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, H. pylori infection is a recognized cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. Chronic gastritis induced by the bacteria damages the parietal cells in the stomach, which are responsible for producing both stomach acid and intrinsic factor, both essential for B12 absorption.

The infection can cause chronic gastritis, which, over time, can lead to atrophic gastritis. This permanently damages the parietal cells that produce stomach acid, resulting in a condition called hypochlorhydria, or low stomach acid.

Yes, studies have shown that vitamin C levels are often lower in both the gastric juice and plasma of infected patients. This is partly due to the high oxidative stress from inflammation and the fact that vitamin C is less stable at the higher pH levels found in an infected stomach.

Yes. Other vitamins affected can include fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and E, which are depleted as antioxidants or absorbed less efficiently due to the altered gastric environment. Folate absorption can also be negatively impacted.

Most evidence suggests that a successful eradication of H. pylori can lead to the restoration of normal vitamin levels, especially B12 and C, though the speed of recovery can vary.

Symptoms can vary depending on the specific deficiency. B12 deficiency can cause fatigue, neurological symptoms, and anemia, while general malabsorption can lead to digestive problems, fatigue, and other nonspecific issues.

Research indicates an inverse correlation between vitamin D levels and H. pylori. Lower serum vitamin D is associated with a higher risk of infection and has also been linked to a reduced success rate of eradication therapy.