The present invention concerns a pharmaceutically acceptable composition containing a cysteine selected from L-cysteine, D-cysteine and N-acetylcysteine, as an active agent, for use in treating atrophic gastritis, when administered in a dose of 300 to 1500 mg per day of said cysteine during a time period of at least 2 months, or for 3 months, or even 4 months. The invention also concerns a method for treating subjects suffering from atrophic gastritis, including administering to said subjects a composition according to the invention, including a cysteine as an active agent, using said dosage regimen.
