If you're dealing with stubborn bloating, reflux, or a confirmed H. pylori result, not all supplements are created equal—here's what the research actually supports, ranked by evidence strength, dosing precision, and real-world usefulness.
Why H. Pylori Deserves a Targeted Protocol—Not Just Probiotics
Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that burrows into the stomach's protective mucus layer, and it's implicated in chronic gastritis, ulcers, and much of the bloating, reflux, and low-appetite fatigue people chase for years without answers. Standard triple or quadruple antibiotic therapy is the only clinically validated eradication method, but resistance rates have climbed enough that gastroenterologists increasingly pair prescriptions with adjunct nutraceuticals—or use them for lower-grade, asymptomatic colonization.
This guide ranks the supplement categories with the most credible research behind them for suppressing H. pylori load, protecting the stomach lining, and supporting eradication therapy. None of these replace testing or antibiotics when eradication is medically indicated—but they're the difference between a mediocre gut-repair attempt and a genuinely evidence-informed one.
Who Actually Needs an H. Pylori Supplement Stack
Not everyone with stomach discomfort has H. pylori, and not everyone who tests positive needs aggressive treatment. This category makes the most sense for a specific set of people.
- You've had a positive breath, stool antigen, or blood test and are awaiting or finishing antibiotic treatment
- You have chronic upper-abdominal burning, early fullness, or unexplained low-grade nausea and haven't been tested yet
- You completed eradication therapy but want mucosal support during recovery
- You have a family history of ulcers or gastric issues and want a preventive, food-and-supplement-first approach
1. Mastic Gum — The Best-Studied Standalone Option
Mastic gum, a resin from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, has the longest and most consistent research trail of any H. pylori-targeted supplement. Studies have shown it can reduce bacterial load and improve gastritis symptoms independent of antibiotics, likely through direct antibacterial action against the organism's cell wall.
Typical protocols use 350–500mg capsules, one to three times daily with food, for at least 4 weeks. Look for products labeled 'pure Chios mastic gum' since sourcing and resin purity vary widely between suppliers.
Dosing Notes
Higher-dose clinical trials have used up to 1g twice daily, but most maintenance protocols sit in the 1,000–1,500mg/day range split across meals. Start low if you have a sensitive stomach, since resin-based supplements can cause mild nausea initially.
2. Broccoli Sprout Extract (Sulforaphane) — The Overlooked Synergist
Sulforaphane, concentrated in broccoli sprout extract, has demonstrated the ability to suppress H. pylori in both test-tube and small human studies, including in strains resistant to standard antibiotics. It won't eradicate the infection alone, but it's one of the few compounds shown to reduce bacterial density in the stomach lining over a matter of weeks.
Effective research doses have used the equivalent of about 70g of fresh broccoli sprouts daily, which translates to a standardized extract delivering roughly 30–40mg of glucoraphanin/sulforaphane precursor per serving. Consistency matters more than mega-dosing here.
3. Zinc Carnosine — The Mucosal Repair Specialist
Zinc carnosine is a chelated compound specifically studied for gastric mucosal healing, and it's a staple in Japanese ulcer treatment protocols. It doesn't kill H. pylori directly, but it strengthens the stomach lining's defenses, reduces inflammation, and speeds healing of erosions the bacteria cause—making it a strong companion to antimicrobial compounds rather than a replacement.
Standard dosing is 75mg twice daily, taken on an empty stomach for best absorption. This is one of the few gut-repair ingredients with dosing this well standardized across brands.
4. DGL Licorice — Symptom Relief With a Mechanism
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) increases mucus production and has shown mild inhibitory effects against H. pylori in lab studies, though the evidence is weaker than mastic gum or sulforaphane. Its real strength is fast symptomatic relief from burning and reflux while other components of a protocol do the heavier antimicrobial work.
Chewable DGL tablets (380–400mg) taken 20 minutes before meals are the most common and well-tolerated format.
5. Probiotics (Specific Strains) — Supportive, Not Standalone
Certain strains—particularly Lactobacillus reuteri, Saccharomyces boulardii, and select Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium blends—have been studied as adjuncts to antibiotic eradication therapy, primarily for reducing treatment side effects like diarrhea and improving eradication rates modestly when added to standard protocols. They are not a substitute for antimicrobial treatment on their own.
Look for products specifying colony-forming unit counts of at least 5–10 billion and naming the exact strains studied, rather than generic 'probiotic blend' labeling.
| Supplement | Primary Role | Typical Daily Dose | Evidence Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastic Gum | Direct antibacterial | 1,000–1,500mg | Strong |
| Broccoli Sprout Extract | Bacterial suppression | 30–40mg sulforaphane equiv. | Moderate-Strong |
| Zinc Carnosine | Mucosal repair | 150mg (split doses) | Strong (for healing) |
| DGL Licorice | Symptom relief | 760–800mg pre-meals | Moderate |
| Targeted Probiotics | Adjunct to antibiotics | 5–10B+ CFU, specific strains | Moderate |
Source Pure Chios Mastic Gum
iHerb carries multiple third-party-tested mastic gum brands at the 500mg dose used in clinical research, often at a lower price point than U.S. specialty retailers.
Shop Mastic Gum on iHerb →Compare Standardized Sulforaphane Extracts
Search Amazon for broccoli sprout extract capsules standardized for glucoraphanin content, and check third-party lab testing before buying.
Compare Options on Amazon →Build a Full Antimicrobial + Repair Stack
System Labs formulates combination protocols pairing antimicrobial botanicals with mucosal-repair nutrients for a more streamlined approach than buying five separate bottles.
Explore System Labs Protocols →Confirm H. Pylori Before You Supplement
Skip the guesswork. EmpowerDx offers at-home testing so you know whether you're actually dealing with H. pylori before investing in a supplement stack.
Order an At-Home Test →How to Sequence a Protocol Without Guesswork
The most effective approach isn't randomly stacking every supplement on this list. Confirm infection status first, then—if pursuing a non-prescription or adjunct approach—layer mastic gum and broccoli sprout extract as your antimicrobial base, add zinc carnosine for lining repair, and use DGL for symptom control during flare-ups. Reassess with retesting after 4–8 weeks rather than judging by symptoms alone, since H. pylori load and symptom severity don't always move together.
If you've completed antibiotic eradication, shift the stack toward zinc carnosine and targeted probiotics for 4–6 weeks to support mucosal recovery and rebuild a more resilient gut environment going into 2026.
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