Association Between Helicobacter pylori Infection Detected by the 13C-Urea Breath Test and Low Serum Ferritin Levels among Japanese Adults

Background Helicobacter pylori infection is a major risk factor for chronic gastritis, digestive ulcers, and gastric cancer. Previous studies have shown associations between H.pylori infection and decreased iron storage. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations between H.pylori infection and serum iron and ferritin levels in Japan. Materials and Methods Overall, 268 Japanese individuals who visited a clinic located in an urban area for H.pylori infection tests and subsequent eradication were enrolled. H.pylori infection was diagnosed by a 13C-urea breath test, with positive results defined as values 2.5 parts per thousand. Results The overall infection rate was 65.3% (175/268). The geometric mean serum iron levels in uninfected and infected subjects were 115.7g/dL and 108.9g/dL, respectively, in men, and 83.9 and 91.8g/dL, respectively, in women. The geometric mean serum ferritin levels were 128.9 and 81.0ng/mL, respectively, in men, and 25.5 and 27.0ng/mL, respectively, in women. Regression analysis adjusted for age showed that lower geometric mean serum ferritin levels were significantly associated with H.pylori infection in men (131.8 vs 79.4ng/mL p=.009) and in women (33.9 vs 23.4ng/mL p=.041). The difference was greater in subjects 50years old, although the interaction was not statistically significant. Helicobacter pylori infection was not significantly associated with serum iron levels. Conclusion This study showed that H.pylori infection was significantly associated with altered serum ferritin levels in Japanese individuals, particularly in those aged 50years.