Effects of Probiotics in Conditions or Infections Similar to COVID-19 on Health Outcomes: An Evidence Analysis Center Scoping Review

Abstract

Probiotics have been suggested as a potential intervention for improving outcomes, particularly ventilatory-associated pneumonia, in patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, with the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is little direct evidence available in infected patients. The objective of this scoping review is to examine the availability and nature of literature describing the effect of probiotics in adults with conditions or infections similar to COVID-19 infection on related health outcomes. MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane Databases were searched for studies published from 1999 to May 1, 2020, examining the effect of probiotics in conditions applicable to individuals infected with COVID-19, including, but not limited to, other forms of coronavirus, critical illness, and mechanical ventilation. The databases search identified 1925 unique articles, 77 full-text articles were reviewed, and 48 studies were included in this scoping review, including 31 primary studies and 17 systematic reviews. Primary studies examined a range of interventions that varied by probiotic diversity and types, including 8 studies that focused on synbiotics, which include both pre-and probiotics. Several systematic reviews examined the effect of probiotics on ventilator-associated pneumonia and other infections. Although most systematic reviews concluded probiotics may improve these outcomes, most systematic review authors concluded that the evidence was low in quality and high in heterogeneity. In the absence of direct evidence with patients infected with COVID-19, studies in comparable populations are currently the best resource to guide probiotics interventions in conjunction with clinical expertise and multidisciplinary health care planning.

Are history of dietary intake and food habits of patients with clinical symptoms of COVID 19 different from healthy controls? A case–control study

“…Although, most of the findings suggest that SARS-Cov-2 virus is more likely transmitted through the respiratory route, but many data also suggest that the intestine could play an appropriate role in the pathogenetic evolution of this viral disease [23]. Rozga et al (2020), in a review study suggested probiotics may improve clinical symptoms such as ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients infected with SARS-Cov-2 [25]. Although, further researches are needed to identify the mechanisms for our finding and assess the effect of yogurt and doogh on the subject at risk of COVID-19, it is safe and secure to advise that high risk population for COVID19, consume enough amount of yogurt and doogh at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Antiviral activity of fermented foods and their probiotics bacteria towards respiratory and alimentary tracts viruses

“…The antiviral mechanism of fermented foods is not well known due to the limited clinical studies documented the daily intake for long term ( Aslam et al, 2020 ). On the other hand, the mechanism of probiotics has been established via several well designed clinical studies that recommended the required doses per day ( Rozga, M., Cheng, F. W., & Handu, 2020 ; King, Glanville, Sanders, Fitzgerald, & Varley, 2014 ; Reid, Jass, Sebulsky, & McCormick, 2003 ). Influenza virus is one of the common viruses that can cause serious respiratory tract infection and lead to high morbidity and mortality especially during influenza epidemics ( Taubenberger & Morens, 2008 ).…”

Nutritional and Behavioral Approaches to Body Composition and Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation Management for Older Adults in the Ordinary and COVID-19 Times

“…Regarding probiotic and/or symbiotic (the latter is the addition of prebiotics to probiotics) supplementation and treatment, no primary research is available for COVID-19 or other coronaviruses-affected patients with mild to moderate symptoms [ 93 ]. A recent review addressed the role of probiotics as an adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 infection and other viral and inflammatory diseases [ 94 ].…”

“…Some evidence exists for the positive outcomes of symbiotic treatments in other critically ill patients on mechanical ventilators and with severe pulmonary diseases. There are also some clinical trials in COVID-19 patients currently underway which might soon provide more insight into the issue [ 93 ]. The lack of evidence is of no surprise not just because of the novelty of some coronaviruses but also due to the complex actions of both pro- and prebiotics regarding their viability, specificity (strain/substrate), dose, and duration in the context of providing possible beneficial immunologic, metabolic and protective effects [ 94 ].…”