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

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and affects approximately 50% of the world's population , including about 40% of Spaniards . Although many infected people do not experience symptoms, this bacterium 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 through contact with saliva or feces in contexts of poor hygiene . Therefore, its incidence is higher in countries or regions where sanitation is limited.

Most common symptoms of Helicobacter pylori

In many people, H. pylori can remain in the body without causing symptoms for years. However, when symptoms do appear, the most common 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 mistaken for simple gastritis , but in reality they may indicate the presence of a stomach ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori .

Traditional treatment of Helicobacter pylori

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

This treatment aims to reduce stomach acidity and eliminate the bacteria. However, in recent years its effectiveness has decreased due to increased bacterial resistance . Furthermore, some patients experience side effects such as diarrhea, altered taste, or abdominal discomfort, which can make it difficult to adhere to the full course of 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.

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

For example, a clinical trial conducted in 2021 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, FH, Lashen, SA, & Alsayed, EA (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) found that bovine lactoferrin , combined with a triple therapy based on levofloxacin, achieved eradication rates of 96% even in resistant strains.

Lactoferrin and the 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 bacteria in the gastric mucosa, it helps prevent the onset of gastritis or stomach ulcers , protects the stomach lining, and contributes to the balance of the intestinal microbiome .

Therefore, its incorporation as a food supplement represents a natural and effective alternative both to reinforce medical treatments and to prevent relapses .

Lactoferrin Pure Powder: purity, absorption and efficacy

There are several lactoferrin options on the market, but Naturemost's Lactoferrin Pure Powder stands out for its innovative powder format , which allows for perfect dissolution and better absorption.

Developed under the patented Bega-Bio Lactoferrin® , this formula guarantees exceptional purity and stability , maximizing the product's effectiveness. Furthermore, it is lactose-free , making it safe and suitable for everyone , including those with lactose intolerance.

This natural supplement can be an excellent option for those looking to strengthen their Helicobacter pylori treatment , 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 remains the first option, recent studies on lactoferrin open a promising avenue to increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects .

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

FAQs about Helicobacter pylori 

What are the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori bacteria?

The most common symptoms include stomach pain or burning , nausea , bloating , loss of appetite , and indigestion . 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 foods that are very fatty, spicy, or ultra-processed can promote its growth . It is recommended to avoid alcohol, coffee, and tobacco, and to prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and probiotics.

How is a Helicobacter pylori infection treated?

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

Additionally, some accessories may be useful:

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

How is Helicobacter pylori bacteria contracted?

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

Literature.

Hooi, JKY, Lai, WY, Ng, WK, Suen, MMY, Underwood, FE, Tanyingoh, D., ... & Ford, AC (2017). Global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection: systematic review and meta-analysis. Gastroenterology, 153(2), 420–429.

Sánchez-Ceballos, F., et al. (2007). Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in a healthy population of Madrid. Spanish Journal of Digestive Diseases, 99(9), 1–9.

Hablass, FH, Lashen, SA, & Alsayed, EA (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.