What to watch with Helicobacter and longevity?

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and can cause chronic gastritis, ulcers, and gastric cancer. Regarding longevity, the evidence is conflicting: persistent infection increases the risk of gastric malignancies and nutrient deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin B12), potentially shortening lifespan. Conversely, some observational studies suggest a protective role against asthma, esophageal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease – possibly via immune modulation. The decision to eradicate should be individualized based on symptoms, family history, and risk factors. A DNA longevity test (e.g., MyBody-X DNA Longevity Test) analyzing FOXO3 variants cannot assess Helicobacter status or biological age. Key takeaway: For symptomatic individuals or those with a family history of gastric cancer, medical evaluation and eradication therapy are warranted. For asymptomatic people without risk factors, the benefit of routine treatment is unclear. Evidence is mixed (human-observational, mechanistic).