Gut microbiota and synbiotic foods: Unveiling the relationship in COVID-19 perspective

Food Sci Nutr. 2023 Jan 11;11(3):1166-1177. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.3162. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread across the globe and is causing widespread disaster. The impact of gut microbiota on lung disease has been widely documented. Diet, environment, and genetics all play a role in shaping the gut microbiota, which can influence the immune system. Improving the gut microbiota profile through customized diet, nutrition, and supplementation has been shown to boost immunity, which could be one of the preventative methods for reducing the impact of various diseases. Poor nutritional status is frequently linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can affect the immune system. This review emphasizes the necessity of maintaining an adequate level of important nutrients to effectively minimize inflammation and oxidative stress, moreover to strengthen the immune system during the COVID-19 severity. Furthermore, the purpose of this review is to present information and viewpoints on the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics as adjuvants for microbiota modification and its effects on COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

Keywords: COVID‐19; gut microbiota; immune system; nutrition; probiotics.

Publication types

  • Review