Plain language summary
The novel coronavirus pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19), an emerging infectious disease, is caused by multiple strains of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2. The main aim of this study was to outline the potential role of probiotics in fighting the COVID-19. This study focuses on recent evidence on the association between microbiota, probiotics, and COVID-19, the role of probiotics as an immune-modulator and antiviral agent. Findings support probiotics’ role in regulating the immune system, suggesting a definitive role for probiotics in viral infections. Thus, probiotics supplementation could reduce the severity of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Authors conclude that supplementation of probiotics in high risk and severely ill patients, and frontline health workers, may help to limit the infection and flatten the COVID-19 curve. However, further studies should be conducted for more conclusive evidence.
Abstract
Saving lives and flattening the curve are the foremost priorities during the ongoing pandemic spread of SARS-CoV-2. Developing cutting-edge technology and collating available evidence would support frontline health teams. Nutritional adequacy improves general health and immunity to prevent and assuage infections. This review aims to outline the potential role of probiotics in fighting the COVID-19 by covering recent evidence on the association between microbiota, probiotics, and COVID-19, the role of probiotics as an immune-modulator and antiviral agent. The high basic reproduction number (R0) of SARS-CoV-2, absence of conclusive remedies, and the pleiotropic effect of probiotics in fighting influenza and other coronaviruses together favour probiotics supplements. However, further support from preclinical and clinical studies and reviews outlining the role of probiotics in COVID-19 are critical. Results are awaited from many ongoing clinical trials investigating the benefits of probiotics in COVID-19.
Methodological quality
Jadad score
:
Not applicable
Allocation concealment
:
Not applicable
