Extraintestinal manifestations of H. pylori infection: H. pylori-associated iron deficiency anemia

Adolescents are particularly susceptible to iron defciency because of their high requirements for iron during the growth spurt and menstrual blood loss in girls. More iron intake and prompt absorption are needed at puberty. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the gastric mucosa might lead to iron defciency anemia (IDA) because it seems to sequester iron and accordingly disturb iron absorption in adolescents whose iron supply is marginal, although the mechanisms by which H. pylori infection contributes to IDA remain unclear. When pubescent children or young adults are found to have IDA without evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding, and their anemia is refractory to iron supplementation and unexplained, H. pylori infection should be suspected, and eradication of the bacteria is necessary.