A study has developed an eradication treatment for the bacteria type helicobacter pylori to help prevent osteoporosis in women over 50. (iClick) *This photo is protected under copyright law and unauthorized reproduction and redistribution are strictly prohibited.

By Kang Gahui

A newly developed treatment to remove the bacteria type Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is known to cause gastritis, gastric ulcers and stomach cancer, can help prevent osteoporosis in women over age 50.

The National Institute of Health under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, on Aug. 18 said the international academic journal Gut and Liver said this in publishing the results of a study by a team led by Dr. Kim Nayoung, a professor of gastroenterology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital.

The researchers compared the incidence of osteoporosis among 846 adults examined for H. pylori at the hospital for up to 20 years (average 10 years) from 2003-23.

The incidence of osteoporosis among 730 participants who had H. pylori removed was 24.5%, considerably lower than 34.5% among those who did not receive such treatment.

"The antibacterial treatment was found to cut the incidence of osteoporosis by about 29%," the team said. "Female subjects showed an especially pronounced preventive effect, with the highest results observed in women aged 50 or over."

kgh89@korea.kr