Use of food and food-derived products in the treatment of gastritis: A systematic review

Abstract

Gastritis is the acute or chronic inflammation of gastric mucosa and is triggered by diverse factors. Treatments used for non-bacterial gastritis include proton pump inhibitors, histamine H2 receptor inhibitors, and antacids, and their use is linked to various side effects. Research on alternative therapeutics using food or food-based products is extensive, mostly in preclinical research. We aimed at documenting the clinical advances in food-based therapies as alternative therapeutics for gastritis. Articles with information on the treatment of gastritis with food or food-based products published until December 1, 2020 were identified through a systematic search in PubMed Medline Database. Additionally, references of retrieved articles were screened for relevant reviews and meta-analyses. Two investigators independently selected and reviewed the titles and abstracts of articles and extracted the study characteristics (PICO framework) and key findings. Dual quality assessment and data extraction were performed. We found 28 clinical studies evaluating garlic, turmeric, red peppers, broccoli sprouts, cranberry juice, honey, oils, and probiotics contained in different foods, such as juices, yogurt, and cheese. The existing literature presents a high risk of bias, and results of the same should be evaluated and replicated with precaution; more rigorous clinical studies are lacking.

Keywords:

• Functional foods
• gastritis
• gastroprotection

Acknowledgements

The authors thank SIP-COFAA-EDI-IPN, SNI-CONACYT and BEIFI-IPN.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Funding

This review was funded by SIP-COFAA-EDI-IPN and SNI-CONACYT. LFDB is grateful for the doctoral scholarship from CONACYT and additional financial support from BEIFI-IPN.