Probiotic yogurt reduces H. pylori activity in Japanese study

Results of the first human clinical studies confirm that a new yogurt fights the bacteria that cause gastritis and stomach ulcers with what  researchers describe as almost vaccine-like effects, Japanese  scientists reported at the 2009 National Meeting of the American  Chemical Society, held in Salt Lake City.

According to lead investigator Hajime Hatta, of Kyoto Women's  University, the suppression of stomach ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori  infection could be achieved by drinking yogurt fortified with urease  antibody harvested from chicken eggs. The bacterium uses urease to  attach to and infect the stomach lining.

The probiotic yogurt, which is sold as Dr Piro in Japan and as Gut in  Korea,was tested in 42 people with H. pylori. The volunteers consumed  two cups daily of either plain yogurt or yogurt containing the antibody  for four weeks. Levels of urea, a byproduct of urease, decreased  significantly in the antibody group when compared with the control  group, indicating reduced bacterial activity, the researchers noted.  The antibody was eventually destroyed by stomach acid, but not before  having its beneficial effect. Although the yogurt appears less effective  than antibiotics for reducing levels of H. pylori, it is a lot easier to  take and can be eaten daily as part of regular dietary routine, Dr Hatta  added.