Numerous global studies unambiguously point to the benefits of probiotics in fighting viral infections, and their contribution to reducing the severity of the Covid-19 disease and its lethal outcome
It is obvious that the people with good natural immunity successfully overcome the Covid-19 infection. As much as 70 percent of the strength of our immune system lies in the intestines where an active living world of beneficial microorganisms called intestinal microbiota resides. And these friendly, probiotic bacteria are the first line of defence when various pathogens, ‘bad’ bacteria, viruses, fungi, enter our body.
- The intestinal microbiota is the foundation of the strength of the immune system. It also contributes to good digestion, synthesis of vitamin K, vitamin B complex, absorption of nutrients from the diet, so it contributes to the health of the whole body. But when the balance is disturbed, problems arise. The results of some clinical studies clearly indicate the link between intestinal microbiota disorders and obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, digestive diseases, as well as some malignant diseases such as colon cancer – warns Branislava Daskalović, M.Sc. Pharm, Hemofarm’s Director CHC Sales West Balkans.
Numerous clinical studies are currently conducted all over the world in order to explain, as precisely as possible, the beneficial role of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of viral infections and Covid-19.
- Special attention must be paid to the probiotics which act on intestinal homeostasis. Namely, medical data show that the patients with Covid have a considerably impaired intestinal microbiota, especially to the detriment of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. Hence, French, Italian, and Chinese scientists recommend the use of appropriate strains of probiotics in Covid-19, for stabilizing and maintaining the intestinal microbiota, but also preventing secondary bacterial infections. In February 2020, the Chinese National Health Committee issued an official recommendation for the use of probiotics in patients with Covid-19 – says our interlocutor.
Conducted clinical studies indicate that probiotic supplements can reduce the severity of Covid-19 disease and its lethal outcome.
- Likewise, probiotics can inhibit the cytokine storm while simultaneously boosting innate immunity and preventing an excessive response of adaptive immunity that is able to respond quickly to a virus attack. The specific role of probiotics in improving the function of natural killer cells, stimulating IgA antibodies, and controlling inflammation of the mucosal barrier has also increased the interest in next-generation probiotics to boost immunity and treat the Covid-19 disease. Accordingly, probiotic supplementation can be very beneficial in high-risk patients, the first line healthcare professionals and certainly the severely affected patients – points out Branislava Daskalović.
What probiotic to choose?
Numerous probiotic products, with significant differences in the composition, quantity of probiotic bacteria, preparation technology, efficacy, are on the market.
- As regards the probiotics quality, it is very important for manufacturers to have the documented and registered probiotic strains. It is done by only several manufacturers in the world, such as the French institute Lallemand Rosell which has been researching and manufacturing probiotic strains for almost nine decades, and all of them are documented in the Pasteur Institute in Paris. Hemofarm is the only company in Serbia which cooperates with the mentioned institute, and insists on the highest quality control standards in probiotics manufacturing, thus providing considerable safety to both doctors and patients – says Branislava Daskalović, M.Sc. Pharm. from Hemofarm.
