Helicobacter pylori: what it is, symptoms, treatment, and how lactoferrin helps

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that colonizes the stomach lining and affects approximately 50% of the world's population, including about 40% of Spaniards. Although many infected people show no symptoms, this bacteria can cause chronic gastritis, stomach or duodenal ulcers, and is even linked to gastric cancer.

Transmission usually occurs through the consumption of contaminated water or food, as well as contact with saliva or feces in settings with poor hygiene. For this reason, its incidence is higher in countries or regions with limited sanitary conditions.

 

Most common symptoms of Helicobacter pylori

In many people, H. pylori can remain in the body without causing symptoms for years. However, when it does manifest, the most frequent symptoms include:

• Stomach pain or burning, especially on an empty stomach.
  
• Nausea or vomiting.
  
• Feeling of bloating or gas.
  
• Heavy digestion.
  
• Loss of appetite and, in some cases, weight loss.
  

These symptoms are often confused with simple gastritis, but they may actually indicate the presence of a stomach ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori.

 

Traditional treatment for Helicobacter pylori

Standard medical treatment combines a proton pump inhibitor (such as omeprazole) with two antibiotics, generally amoxicillin and clarithromycin, for a period of 10 to 14 days.

This treatment aims to reduce stomach acidity and eliminate the bacteria. However, its effectiveness has decreased in recent years due to increased bacterial resistance. In addition, some patients experience side effects such as diarrhea, taste alterations, or abdominal discomfort, which can hinder adherence to the full treatment.

 

Lactoferrin: a natural aid against Helicobacter pylori

Lactoferrin is a natural protein found in milk, with potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Its ability to bind to iron makes it an essential element in the defense against bacterial infections.

What should we consider when choosing a lactoferrin?

Not all lactoferrins are the same. Purity, stability, raw material, and format are important aspects to evaluate. Naturemost's Lactoferrin Pure Powder uses Bega-Bio Lactoferrin®, in powder format and lactose-free.

Recent scientific studies have shown that combining lactoferrin with conventional antibiotic treatment significantly improves the eradication rate of H. pylori, while simultaneously reducing adverse effects.

For example, a 2021 clinical trial with 400 patients showed that adding lactoferrin to conventional therapies increased the cure rate to 94.5%, compared to the usual 70-80% in treatments without lactoferrin.

Image. Hablass, F. H., Lashen, S. A., & Alsayed, E. A. (2021). Efficacy of lactoferrin with standard triple therapy or sequential therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a randomized controlled trial.

Another study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (2019) verified that bovine lactoferrin, combined with levofloxacin-based triple therapy, achieved eradication rates of 96% even in resistant strains.

 

Lactoferrin and prevention of ulcers and gastritis

Beyond its therapeutic role, lactoferrin can also act as a preventive measure against H. pylori infection.
By limiting the colonization of the bacteria in the gastric mucosa, it helps to prevent the onset of gastritis or stomach ulcers, protects the stomach lining, and contributes to the balance of the intestinal microbiome.

Therefore, incorporating it as a food supplement represents a natural and effective alternative both for strengthening medical treatments and for preventing relapses.

 

Why Lactoferrin Pure Powder?

Lactoferrin Pure Powder is formulated with Bega-Bio Lactoferrin®, selected for its high purity and stability. Its powder format makes it easy to use and is also lactose-free.

Lactoferrin Pure Powder can be an excellent option for those looking to reinforce treatment against Helicobacter pylori, improve their digestive health, and protect their stomach naturally.

 

The role of lactoferrin against Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori infection remains one of the leading causes of gastritis and stomach ulcers worldwide.

Although antibiotic treatment continues to be the first choice, recent studies on lactoferrin open a promising path to increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects.

Integrating supplements like Naturemost's Lactoferrin Pure Powder into treatment or prevention can make a big difference in recovering gastric balance and protecting against this very common bacteria.

 

FAQs about Helicobacter pylori 

 

What are the symptoms of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria?

The most common symptoms include stomach pain or burning, nausea, bloating, loss of appetite, and heavy digestion. In more severe cases, it can cause stomach ulcers or chronic gastritis.

What foods cause Helicobacter pylori?

There are no foods that "cause" the bacteria, but very fatty, spicy, or ultra-processed foods can promote its proliferation. It is recommended to avoid alcohol, coffee, and tobacco, and prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and probiotics.

How is a Helicobacter pylori infection treated?

The standard approach consists of combination therapy that includes antibiotics along with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), with the goal of eradicating the bacteria and reducing gastric acidity to favor mucosal repair.

In addition, some supplements may be useful:

• Lactoferrin, which can improve treatment efficacy and contribute to the protection of the gastric mucosa.
  
• Probiotics, which help maintain or restore beneficial intestinal flora, usually altered by antibiotic use, and can reduce side effects such as diarrhea or digestive discomfort.

How is the Helicobacter pylori bacteria contracted?

It is transmitted mainly through contaminated water or food, or through direct contact with saliva or feces of an infected person. Maintaining good personal and food hygiene is key to preventing infection.

 

Bibliography.

Hooi, J. K. Y., Lai, W. Y., Ng, W. K., Suen, M. M. Y., Underwood, F. E., Tanyingoh, D., ... & Ford, A. C. (2017). Global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection: systematic review and meta-analysis. Gastroenterology, 153(2), 420–429.

Sánchez-Ceballos, F., et al. (2007). Prevalencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en población sana de Madrid. Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas, 99(9), 1–9.

Hablass, F. H., Lashen, S. A., & Alsayed, E. A. (2021). Efficacy of lactoferrin with standard triple therapy or sequential therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a randomized controlled trial. Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology, 32(9), 742–749.

Ciccaglione, A. F., Di Giulio, M., Di Lodovico, S., Cellini, L., & Marzio, L. (2019). Bovine lactoferrin enhances the efficacy of levofloxacin-based triple therapy as first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: an in vitro and in vivo study. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 74(4), 1069–1077.

Rizzi, M., Imoto, I., et al. (2025). Lactoferrin: a natural protein with multiple functions in human health. Nutrients, 17(21), 3403.