Du P, Zhang C, Wang A, et al. - Because the literature describes mixed and inconclusive results concerning the association between drinking and Helicobacter pylori infection, researchers herein performed a meta-analysis to summarize and clarify this association systematically.

• A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases yielded a total of 24 individual studies for inclusion in this meta-analysis.

• Findings suggest a lower risk of H. pylori infection among alcohol drinkers vs nondrinkers.

• Better reduction in H. pylori infection was observed in correlation with drinking wine and mixed types of alcohol vs drinking beer.

• Nonetheless, researchers do not support drinking to reduce H. pylori infection, which increases the risk of other diseases.