Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
Supplements studied for helicobacter pylori (h. pylori).
Overview
Ten supplements are indexed for H. pylori (34 studies). Saccharomyces boulardii, Probiotics, and Kefir share the strongest profiles (medium effect size, low evidence, medium trust, WA 56). S. boulardii with standard therapy may reduce side effects like diarrhea and nausea and may modestly aid eradication with older triple regimens, though results with newer therapies are mixed. Kefir plus antibiotics increased clearance in one small trial.
Garlic and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) sit at WA 52 with low effect-size ratings. Garlic supplements did not improve eradication rates. NAC with antibiotics did not clear infection, though combination products may ease stomach discomfort without replacing antibiotics.
See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for supplement-level detail.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Saccharomyces boulardii | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Probiotics | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Berberine | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Kefir | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin C | ★★★★★ | Low |
| L-Tryptophan | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Taurine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Garlic | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Sulforaphane | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Olive Oil | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Lycopene | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
12 supplements for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
ProbioticsView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Probiotics are possibly effective for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Browse 3 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaEfficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii as an adjuvant therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori: a meta-analysis2025n=5,036
A meta-analysis of 19 H. pylori trials (n=5036) found Saccharomyces boulardii adjuvant therapy raised eradication rate and reduced diarrhea and other adverse effects.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 5,036
MetaEfficacy of probiotics regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A systematic review, pairwise, and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2025n=13,680
A network meta-analysis of 91 H. pylori RCTs (n=13,680) found adding probiotics increased eradication (OR 1.62 ITT) and reduced diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bad taste.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- H. pylori patients
- Participants
- 13,680
RCTLactiplantibacillus plantarum MH-301 reduces Helicobacter pylori treatment-related adverse events via gut-vaginal axis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial2025n=257
In 257 women on H. pylori quadruple therapy, L. plantarum MH-301 for 14 days reduced bloating, constipation, and vaginal discharge versus placebo without changing eradication rate.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 14 days
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 257
- Ages
- 18–50
Saccharomyces boulardiiView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking Saccharomyces boulardii with standard treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection may help reduce side effects like diarrhea and nausea.
- Some studies show it slightly increases the chance of fully getting rid of the infection, especially when used with older triple therapies.
- But recent studies using newer treatments suggest it might not improve cure rates.
- If standard treatments fail, taking S. boulardii alone for a short time may help clear the infection better than no treatment.
- Overall, it can make treatment easier to tolerate and help people finish their antibiotics.
Browse 12 studies·4 meta-analyses
MetaEfficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii as an adjuvant therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori: a meta-analysis2025n=5,036
A meta-analysis of 19 H. pylori trials (n=5036) found Saccharomyces boulardii adjuvant therapy raised eradication rate and reduced diarrhea and other adverse effects.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 5,036
MetaThe effect of Saccharomyces boulardii supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized controlled trials2023n=13
A meta-analysis found S. boulardii added to standard triple therapy increased H. pylori eradication in children versus STT alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 13
RCTThe efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii in addition to antofloxacin-based bismuth quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a single-center, prospective randomized-control study2023n=86
In 172 H. pylori patients, adding S. boulardii to antofloxacin-bismuth quadruple therapy raised eradication and reduced adverse events versus quadruple therapy alone.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 14 days
- Dose
- 500 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Patients with H
- Participants
- 86
- Ages
- 18–70
RCTInvestigating the effect of quadruple therapy with Saccharomyces boulardii or Lactobacillus reuteri strain (DSMZ 17648) supplements on eradication of Helicobacter pylori and treatments adverse effects: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial2022n=156
In 156 H. pylori patients, quadruple therapy plus S. boulardii or L. reuteri improved eradication and reduced side effects versus quadruple therapy alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 weeks
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 156
- Ages
- 16–74
RCTSaccharomyces boulardii Allows Partial Patients to Avoid Reusing Bismuth Quadruple for Helicobacter pylori Rescue Therapy: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Study2022n=50
In 100 H. pylori patients, pretreatment with S. boulardii allowed some patients to avoid repeat bismuth quadruple rescue therapy.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 50
RCTSaccharomyces boulardii Combined With Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication Decreased the Duration and Severity of Diarrhea: A Multi-Center Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial2021n=360
In 360 H. pylori patients, S. boulardii plus quadruple therapy improved eradication and reduced treatment side effects versus quadruple therapy alone.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 14 days
- Population
- Pregnant women
- Participants
- 360
RCTEffects of probiotics or broccoli supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication with standard clarithromycin-based triple therapy2020n=217
In H. pylori patients, S. boulardii or broccoli sprout supplementation did not significantly increase eradication versus standard triple therapy.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 40 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with H
- Participants
- 217
MetaSaccharomyces boulardii as an adjuvant therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis2019n=3,592
A meta-analysis found S. boulardii as H. pylori adjuvant therapy increased eradication rates and reduced adverse effects versus antibiotics alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 3,592
RCTSaccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 plus sequential therapy for Helicobacter pylori infections: a randomized, open-label trial2019n=199
In H. pylori patients, sequential therapy plus S. boulardii CNCM I-745 improved eradication and lowered adverse events versus sequential therapy alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 10 days
- Dose
- 250 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with confirmed H
- Participants
- 199
- Avg age
- ~45
MetaSystematic review with meta-analysis: Saccharomyces boulardii supplementation and eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection2015n=2,200
A meta-analysis found S. boulardii adjuvant therapy increased H. pylori eradication and reduced therapy-associated side effects versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 2,200
RCTEfficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii in prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea due to Helicobacterpylori eradication2005n=389
In peptic ulcer patients on 14-day H. pylori therapy, S. boulardii 500 mg twice daily reduced antibiotic-associated diarrhea versus no probiotic.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 14 days
- Dose
- 500 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Patients with peptic ulcer disease or non-ulcer dyspepsia were e
- Participants
- 389
RCTEffect of different probiotic preparations on anti-helicobacter pylori therapy-related side effects: a parallel group, triple blind, placebo-controlled study2002n=22
In 85 H. pylori patients, probiotics including S. boulardii reduced treatment side effects, with mixed effects on eradication across strains.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 7 days
- Dose
- 20 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 22
BerberineView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Berberine, combined with antibiotics and acid blockers, can help treat H. pylori infection, a common stomach infection.
- Studies show that triple therapy including berberine works as well as the standard four-drug bismuth-based treatment in clearing the infection, with cure rates between 70% and 90%.
- Berberine treatment is also better tolerated, with fewer side effects.
- In people with H. pylori-related stomach ulcers, berberine taken for 6 weeks was better at eliminating the infection than ranitidine but was less effective for healing ulcers.
- Adding berberine to usual treatments improves infection cure rates, helps ulcers heal faster, and is associated with reduced side effects like nausea and bloating.
Browse 4 studies
RCTEfficacy and safety of triple therapy containing berberine, amoxicillin, and vonoprazan for Helicobacter pylori initial treatment: A randomized controlled trial2023n=263
An open-label RCT of 263 H. pylori patients found 14-day berberine triple therapy achieved 70–81% eradication, comparable to vonoprazan or rabeprazole quadruple regimens.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 14 days
- Dose
- 500 mg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 263
- Ages
- 18–70
RCTEfficacy and safety of triple therapy containing berberine hydrochloride, amoxicillin, and rabeprazole in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori2022n=262
An RCT of 524 H. pylori patients found berberine triple therapy (300 mg three times daily) was noninferior to bismuth quadruple therapy for eradication (about 80%) with fewer adverse events.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 14 days
- Dose
- 300 mg 3×/day
- Population
- Pregnant women
- Participants
- 262
- Ages
- 18–70
RCTBerberine containing quadruple therapy for initial Helicobacter pylori eradication: An open-label randomized phase IV trial2017n=308
A phase IV RCT of 612 treatment-naive H. pylori patients found 14-day berberine quadruple therapy achieved 90.1% eradication, noninferior to bismuth quadruple therapy (86.4%).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 14 days
- Population
- Pregnant women
- Participants
- 308
- Ages
- 18–70
RCTComparison of acid and Helicobacter pylori in ulcerogenesis of duodenal ulcer disease1993
An RCT of 90 duodenal ulcer patients found ranitidine healed ulcers in 97% versus 53–67% with antibacterial drugs including berberine 300 mg three times daily; H. pylori clearance did not predict healing.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 40 mg 3×/day
- Population
- Duodenal ulcer patients
KefirView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- A small study in people with H. pylori infection found that drinking kefir (250 mL twice a day for 2 weeks), along with standard antibiotic therapy, increased the chance of clearing the infection by 56% compared with placebo milk.
Browse 1 study
RCTKefir improves the efficacy and tolerability of triple therapy in eradicating Helicobacter pylori2010n=46
In 46 H. pylori patients on triple therapy, adding kefir 250 mL twice daily improved eradication rates and reduced diarrhea and taste disturbance versus triple therapy alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 14 days
- Dose
- 250 mL 2×/day
- Population
- H. pylori patients
- Participants
- 46
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking N-acetylcysteine along with standard antibiotics does not help get rid of H. pylori infection.
- Some early research suggests that N-acetylcysteine combined with other supplements and stomach medicine may improve stomach discomfort and inflammation, but it does not remove the infection without antibiotics.
Browse 5 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaThe efficacy of adjuvant N acetyl cysteine for the eradication of H pylori infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials2021n=586
A meta-analysis of 586 patients found adjuvant NAC improved Helicobacter pylori eradication rates when added to standard triple therapy.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 586
MetaN-acetylcysteine as an adjuvant therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication2019n=559
A meta-analysis of 559 patients found NAC as H. pylori adjuvant therapy significantly increased eradication rates versus standard regimens alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 559
- Ages
- 17–76
RCTEffects of N-acetylcysteine on First-Line Sequential Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial2016n=50
An RCT of 50 patients found adding NAC (400 mg twice daily) to sequential H. pylori therapy improved eradication rates versus sequential therapy alone.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 10 days
- Dose
- 400 mg 2×/day
- Population
- ALL patients
- Participants
- 50
Controlled trialA curcumin-based 1-week triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection: something to learn from failure?2007n=25
A 7-day controlled trial found a curcumin-based triple therapy achieved H. pylori eradication rates comparable to standard regimens including NAC.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 7 days
- Dose
- 30 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Adults with H. pylori infection
- Participants
- 25
- Avg age
- ~50
Controlled trialEffect of N-acetyl cysteine on Helicobacter pylori2005n=58
A 10-day controlled trial of 58 patients found NAC (400 mg) added to anti-H. pylori therapy improved eradication versus antibiotics alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 10 days
- Dose
- 400 mg
- Population
- Adults with H. pylori infection
- Participants
- 58
Vitamin CView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking vitamin C does not help get rid of H. pylori infection.
- Studies show vitamin C, even with vitamin E, does not boost success of the usual treatment for this stomach bacteria.
Browse 2 studies·1 meta-analysis
RCTSupplementing vitamins C and E to standard triple therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori2012n=160
An RCT in 200 H. pylori patients found adding vitamins C and E to triple therapy raised eradication rate to 82.5% versus 45% with triple therapy alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 30 days
- Dose
- 60 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 160
MetaEffect of vitamins C and E supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis2011
A meta-analysis of 6 H. pylori trials found vitamins C and E did not significantly improve eradication rates versus standard therapy.
- Effect
- No Benefit
L-TryptophanView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- In people with stomach or duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori infection, taking 250 mg of L-tryptophan twice daily along with standard ulcer medicine omeprazole for 3 weeks helped ulcers heal faster than omeprazole alone.
- This could be because tryptophan increases certain natural substances in the body that protect and heal the stomach lining.
Browse 1 study
RCTMelatonin or L-tryptophan accelerates healing of gastroduodenal ulcers in patients treated with omeprazole2011n=42
In 42 patients with gastroduodenal ulcers on omeprazole, melatonin or L-tryptophan accelerated ulcer healing versus omeprazole plus placebo over 21 days.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 21 days
- Dose
- 20 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Patients with gastroduodenal ulcers
- Participants
- 42
GarlicView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Eating garlic cloves, taking garlic supplements (powder or oil) does not improve the rate of H. pylori eradication in the body.
Browse 7 studies
ObservationalGarlic intake and gastric cancer risk: Results from two large prospective US cohort studies2018n=613
In two large US cohorts (77,086 women; 46,398 men), higher garlic intake was not associated with lower gastric cancer risk; H. pylori status did not modify the association.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- H. pylori patients
- Participants
- 613
Activities of garlic oil, garlic powder, and their diallyl constituents against Helicobacter pylori2000
In vitro testing found garlic oil and allicin inhibited all H. pylori strains tested (MIC 8–32 µg/ml for oil), with greater potency than garlic powder preparations.
- Dose
- 8–32 mcg/day
RCTGarlic oil and Helicobacter pylori infection2000
This report on garlic oil and H. pylori infection provided no extractable clinical outcome data beyond the title.
Re: Peppers at treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection2000
This letter responding to a peppers-and-H. pylori treatment report provided no original clinical outcome data.
Controlled trialGarlic or jalapeño peppers for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection1999n=12
In 12 H. pylori-infected adults, meals containing 10 g raw garlic or jalapeño did not reduce urea breath test positivity versus control meals in a crossover study.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 10 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 12
- Avg age
- ~41
Is garlic an effective treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection?1999
This editorial review concluded available evidence did not support garlic as an effective treatment for H. pylori infection.
- Effect
- Benefit
ObservationalHelicobacter pylori infection, garlic intake and precancerous lesions in a Chinese population at low risk of gastric cancer1998n=214
Among 214 adults in low-risk Cangshan County, China, higher garlic intake was associated with lower prevalence of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia on gastroscopic screening.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 214
TaurineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if taurine helps eliminate Helicobacter pylori infection.
- One study found that taking taurine along with standard treatment improved eradication and healed duodenal ulcers faster compared to treatment alone.
- More research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Browse 1 study
[Eradication therapy and processes of proliferation and apoptosis in the stomach of patients with duodenal ulcer]2009n=172
In duodenal ulcer patients with H. pylori, eradication therapy altered gastric proliferation and apoptosis markers; taurine's role was evaluated alongside antibacterial treatment.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 500 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 172
SulforaphaneView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking sulforaphane from broccoli sprout extract along with standard antibiotic treatment does not appear to help eliminate Helicobacter pylori infection.
- In studies, people who took broccoli sprout extract capsules three times a day for four weeks had similar results to those who took antibiotics alone.
Browse 2 studies
Systematic reviewCan a diet rich in Brassicaceae help control Helicobacter pylori infection? A systematic review2024
A systematic review found diets rich in Brassicaceae may support Helicobacter pylori management, though human clinical evidence remained limited and heterogeneous.
RCTEffects of probiotics or broccoli supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication with standard clarithromycin-based triple therapy2020n=217
In H. pylori patients, S. boulardii or broccoli sprout supplementation did not significantly increase eradication versus standard triple therapy.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 40 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with H
- Participants
- 217
LycopeneView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- In a small study of people with H. pylori infection, taking lycopene (30 mg daily for 1 month) along with usual treatment did not help clear the infection any better than standard treatment by itself.
Browse 1 study
Controlled trialLycopene an adjunctive therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a quasi-control trial2012n=54
A quasi-controlled trial in 54 patients with confirmed Helicobacter pylori infection where one group received standard quadruple antibiotic therapy and the other group received the same therapy plus 30 mg/day of Lycopene; though the eradication rate was higher in the lycopene-added group, the difference was not statistically significant.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 30 mg/day
- Population
- H. pylori patients
- Participants
- 54
Olive OilView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if taking virgin olive oil by mouth helps get rid of Helicobacter pylori infection.
- In a small study, some people who took 30 grams of virgin olive oil every morning for 2 to 4 weeks cleared the infection, but this happened in only 10% to 27% of participants.
- The study did not have a comparison group, and some people stopped because they did not like the taste or felt sick.
- More research is needed to know if it really works.
Browse 1 study
Clinical trialAssessment of Helicobacter pylori eradication by virgin olive oil2012n=30
Two pilot trials in 60 H. pylori–infected adults found 30 g/day virgin olive oil for 14 days achieved only 10–40% eradication rates, with 13 subjects withdrawing due to taste or nausea.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 14 days
- Dose
- 30 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 30
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saccharomyces boulardii | ★★★★★68% | 12 | 4 | 30% |
| Garlic | ★★★★★40% | 7 | 0 | 18% |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★52% | 5 | 2 | 13% |
| Berberine | ★★★★★64% | 4 | 0 | 10% |
| Probiotics | ★★★★★68% | 3 | 2 | 8% |
| Sulforaphane | ★★★★★36% | 2 | 0 | 5% |
| Vitamin C | ★★★★★48% | 2 | 1 | 5% |
| Kefir | ★★★★★56% | 1 | 0 | 3% |
| L-Tryptophan | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 3% |
| Lycopene | ★★★★★28% | 1 | 0 | 3% |
| Olive Oil | ★★★★★28% | 1 | 0 | 3% |
| Taurine | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 3% |