H. pylori linked to iron deficiency

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with an increased risk of iron deficiency and related anaemia. This relationship also holds true even in the absence of peptic ulcer disease, which can cause iron-deficiency anaemia through haemorrhage. Researchers from the University of Texas at Houston found an apparent link between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anaemia in a national sample of the US population. H. pylori infection has previously been found to cause stomach inflammation and ulcers. The bacterium also increases the risk of stomach cancer. The researchers identified this new relationship based on an analysis of data from the current National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2000). Data on 7,462 subjects who were at least three years of age were included in the analysis. The presence of H. pylori infection raised the risk of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anaemia by 1.4- and 2.6-fold, respectively. H. pylori infection was also tied to other types of anaemia, but to a much lesser extent.