Chronic inflammation of the stomach that causes the breakdown of the mucous membranes and a reduction in the number of functioning stomach cells. Seen mainly in the elderly.

	Atrophic Gastritis The Condition "...Atrophic gastritis is characterized by atrophy of the stomach wall with reduced or absent gastric acid secretion..." Relationship to Zinc Requirement "Those with atrophic gastritis, vagotomy or gastric resection may be at increased risk for zinc deficiency..." Relationship to Stomach Cancer "Gastric cancer is 5 to 10 times more likely in those with chronic atrophic gastritis; the same increased incidence is also found in first-degree relatives of patients with gastric cancer and pernicious anemia..." Recommendation Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) "There may be a localized deficiency of Vitamin C in atrophic gastritis..." Gastritis The Condition "...Laboratory Findings ... Macrocytic anaemia due to pernicious anemia following atrophic gastritis of long duration..." Helicobacter Pylori Infection Recommendation Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) "A study showed vitamin C levels to be low in atrophic gastritis and Helicobacter Pylori infection..." Rheumatoid Arthritis Relationship to Atrophic Gastritis "Chronic atrophic gastritis occurs in up to 63% of rheumatoid arthritis patients..." Stomach Cancer The Condition "...Atrophic gastritis - people who have a stomach disorder called atrophic gastritis, where the lining of the stomach wastes away, are at higher risk..."

Last updated: Feb 28, 2008