Do probiotics help protect us against COVID-19?

Much research has been conducted on the role of probiotics in supporting the immune system and their potential benefits for overall health, but the specific role of probiotics in protecting against COVID-19 is not yet fully understood and proven.

Probiotics are living microorganisms, usually bacteria, that when consumed in sufficient quantities have beneficial effects on the health of the host. They occur naturally in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and in nutritional supplements.

Probiotics are thought to modulate the immune system by strengthening the intestinal barrier, stimulating the production of antimicrobials, and promoting the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and T cells. Probiotics are also thought to work through the gut-brain axis to reduce inflammation and improve overall immune response.

There are studies suggesting that certain probiotics may help prevent and reduce the duration of respiratory infections, such as colds and flu. Although there are promising results, these effects are often species and strain specific and cannot be generalized to all probiotics. There is no clinical evidence that probiotics directly protect against COVID-19.

Although probiotics claim to have promising benefits for general health and the immune system, there is currently no strong scientific evidence that they specifically protect against COVID-19.

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

Source: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-12-09 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024