Benefits of probiotic use on COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the new global pandemic, which has already resulted in millions of deaths, affecting the world’s health and economy. Probiotics have shown benefits in a variety of diseases, including respiratory infections, and may be beneficial in the adjunctive treatment of COVID-19. This study analyzed the effectiveness of probiotics as adjunctive treatment in reducing symptoms of patients with COVID-19, through a systematic review with meta-analysis. The EMBASE (Elsevier), Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) were searched through March 16, 2022. The risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was estimated using a fixed-effect model. RoB 2 and ROBINS I were used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. Nine studies were included (7 clinical trials and 2 cohorts), of which three clinical trials comprised the meta-analysis. Results showed that probiotics were associated with a significant 51% reduction in symptoms reported by COVID-19 patients (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.40–0.61). There was a significant improvement in cough (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.37–0.83), headaches (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.05–0.65), and diarrhea (RR 0. 33, 95% CI 0.12–0.96) of patients on probiotic therapy. These findings suggest that probiotic supplementation is effective in improving symptoms of COVID-19.

Keywords:

• Coronavirus
• coronavirus 2019
• viral infection
• respiratory infections
• probiotics

Authors’ contributions

SNAV and MNR designed the study. SNAV, TRSP, CTC, LSCS, MNR contributed to the study design, analysis and interpretation of data. SNAV, TRSP, MNR, JCA, CTC contributed to study selection and data extraction. SNAV, CTC, MNR, LSCS, LHSP were involved in manuscript writing and critical review. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

All authors declare no conflict of interest regarding the described research, publication of results and financial issues.

Additional information

Funding

The Principal Investigator (SNAV) was funded by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) (CAPES process n° 88887.627312/2021-00). Funders had no role in study design, study selection and data extraction, data analysis, publication decision, or manuscript preparation. The Principal Investigator was funded by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) (CAPES process n° 88887.627312/2021-00).