Science behind the debate: Relationship between the gut microbiome and diseases, including COVID-19 (Long Factsheet version)
Scientists hypothesise that the gut microbiome could be involved in the degree of COVID-19 severity and in the persistence of the symptoms. However, they highlight the need for further research on the mechanisms of action of the gut microorganisms on the inflammatory and immune response and with the virus. Scientists suggest the use of pre- and pro-biotics (the term bacteriotherapy is sometimes used) to help maintaining or restoring a healthy gut microbiome, not in the aim to cure COVID-19 but to help the microbiome to play its usual regulation role and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and, eventually, to prevent secondary infections.
TOUSSAINT Brigitte;
RAFFAEL Barbara;
PETRILLO Mauro;
PUERTAS GALLARDO Antonio;
MUNOZ-PINEIRO Maria Amalia;
PATAK DENNSTEDT Alexandre;
QUERCI Maddalena;
2021-09-09
European Commission
JRC125934
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