Eradicating Helicobacter pylori bacteria is found to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Helicobacter is known to infect half of humanity and is linked to gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 18th that a research team led by Professor Kim Na-young from the Gastroenterology Department at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital confirmed that eradicating Helicobacter pylori bacteria with medication reduces the risk of osteoporosis. The findings were published that day in the international journal "Gut and Liver."
The research team tracked 846 adults infected with Helicobacter from 2003 to 2023. The group that received eradication treatment with medication numbered 730. Among them, 24.5% were diagnosed with osteoporosis. In the group of 116 who did not eradicate the Helicobacter bacteria, 34.5% were diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones and leads to fractures, affecting 37% of women over 50 in Korea. In particular, women over 50 showed a significant preventive effect against osteoporosis after eradicating Helicobacter. Conversely, no statistically significant difference was observed between men regarding whether they underwent eradication treatment and the prevention of osteoporosis.
The research team believes that the eradication of Helicobacter helps prevent osteoporosis by blocking inflammation. Infection with Helicobacter triggers an inflammatory response in the body, making it difficult for calcium absorption and reducing bone density. The team estimates that eradicating Helicobacter facilitates better calcium absorption, increases bone density, and lowers the risk of osteoporosis.
Fractures caused by osteoporosis increase mortality rates among the elderly and raise medical costs. The research team reports that treatment for Helicobacter pylori bacteria could address these issues.
Park Hyun-young, director of the National Health Research Institute, noted, "Women with low bone density after menopause should check for Helicobacter infection and consider eradication treatment." This research was conducted with the support of the National Health Research Institute.
References
Gut and Liver (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.5009/gnl25016