Long Covid, a condition characterized by persistent health issues that develop after a Covid-19 infection, continues to perplex researchers and medical professionals. A recent survey conducted by the CDC revealed that 6.9% of Americans have experienced long Covid at some point, while a global estimate puts the number at 65 million people. However, a new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests that probiotics may offer some relief for this debilitating condition.
Currently, there is no standardized definition for long Covid, and no specific test or treatment exists. The condition is broadly defined as the presence of various health conditions that continue or develop at least a month after a Covid-19 infection. Researchers have identified 203 distinct symptoms affecting different organ systems in people with long Covid.
The cause of long Covid remains unknown, although several theories have been proposed. Some believe that persistent uncleared reservoirs of the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be responsible, while others think it could be related to autoimmunity. A recent article in Nature Medicine suggests that cognitive aspects of long Covid may be linked to virus-associated blood clots.
Another potential cause could be alterations in the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome, which consists of microbes in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in our overall health. Disruptions in the microbiome have been associated with various diseases. Researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong found that people with long Covid exhibited an altered gut microbiome compared to those without the condition.
To investigate whether correcting the gut microbiome could alleviate long Covid symptoms, the researchers conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Participants with long Covid were given a probiotic/prebiotic mixture for six months, while a control group received a placebo. The results showed that those who received the probiotics experienced improvements in memory loss, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. However, the treatment did not lead to a significant reduction in all symptoms, and both groups reported improvements to some extent.
While these findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand how probiotics alleviate long Covid symptoms, especially cognitive issues. The study highlights the potential therapeutic value of probiotics in addressing long Covid, but further investigation is required.
The study adds long Covid to the growing list of conditions associated with changes in the gut microbiome and suggests that probiotics could be a potential treatment option. However, it is important to note that probiotics are not a definitive solution, and more research is necessary to determine their efficacy in treating long Covid. The gut microbiome remains an area of interest for scientists, and its influence on various disease states continues to be explored.