H. pylori Infection Linked to Lower Breath Hydrogen and Gut Problems
An Epidemiological Study on the Relationship between Gastric Mucosal Atrophy, Exhaled Hydrogen Concentration, and Gut Microbiota
Research hubs: Digestive System
- Evidence type
- Observational study · Human study
- Authors
- Satoshi Sato, Daisuke Chinda, Keita Mikami, Masakazu Tobinai, Nao Ishidoya, Keisuke Furusawa, Kaede Miyashiro, Kenta Yoshida, Chikara Iino, Kaori Sawada, Tatsuya Mikami, Shigeyuki Nakaji, Koichi Murashita, Hirotake Sakuraba
- Journal
- Digestion
- Year
- 2026
- PMID
- 42048281
- Study Type
- Human
- Participants
- 966
- Delivery
- Gas
- Outcome
- Neutral
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 0 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Gastric mucosal atrophy, largely associated with persistent H. pylori infection, was linked to lower exhaled hydrogen levels and gut microbiota shifts, including higher Streptococcus and lower Blautia.
Key Finding
People with persistent H. pylori infection showed lower exhaled hydrogen concentrations and altered gut bacteria composition compared to uninfected individuals, while those who had been treated to eliminate the infection showed normalized levels.
Summary
This study examined 966 people to understand how a bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori) affects the stomach lining, the amount of hydrogen gas people breathe out, and the bacteria living in their gut. People with stomach lining damage had lower levels of exhaled hydrogen and different gut bacteria compared to those without damage. The researchers found that people with active H. pylori infection showed these same changes, but people who had been treated to eliminate the infection did not.
Practical Takeaway
This observational study suggests a connection between H. pylori infection status and exhaled hydrogen levels, but it does not test hydrogen water as a treatment. The findings are correlational rather than causal, and the study does not evaluate whether hydrogen water consumption affects any of these conditions. Anyone concerned about H. pylori infection should consult a healthcare provider about established diagnostic and treatment options.
Abstract (excerpt)
Introduction: This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological investigation of the relationship between gastric mucosal atrophy and exhaled hydrogen gas concentration, including gut microbiota, in residents who participated in health checkups. Methods: Based on pepsinogen I <70 ng/mL and PG I/PG II…