A NEW study suggests that garlic intake may increase the risk of atrophic gastritis (AG) in individuals who are either currently or previously infected with Helicobacter pylori, a known risk factor for gastric diseases. The findings highlight the complex interaction between diet, bacterial infections, and gastrointestinal health.
The case-control study analysed 10,035 participants from Gansu Province, China, as part of a gastric cancer screening and health check-up program. Among 7,058 individuals who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and H. pylori testing, 4,712 (66.8%) were diagnosed with AG. Researchers examined dietary habits, particularly garlic consumption, and found that individuals with H. pylori, whether currently infected or post-eradication, were at a higher risk of developing AG if they consumed garlic frequently. The odds ratio (OR) for AG was 1.39 in those with active H. pylori infection and 1.16 in those who had eradicated the infection, indicating a statistically significant association. However, in participants who had never been infected with H. pylori, garlic consumption did not significantly impact AG risk (OR = 1.14).
The study suggests that dietary factors may influence the pathogenic role of H. pylori and intestinal flora, potentially exacerbating gastric inflammation and atrophy in certain populations. While garlic has long been praised for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, this research indicates that its effects on gastrointestinal health may depend on an individual’s infection status.
These findings emphasise the need for personalized dietary recommendations, particularly for individuals with a history of H. pylori infection. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms underlying this association and whether modifying garlic intake could help mitigate AG risk in H. pylori-infected individuals.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Wu J et al. Analysis of garlic intake on atrophic gastritis risk in different infectious states of Helicobacter pylori in a case-control study. Sci Rep. 2025;DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-92376-z.
