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A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Evaluating Concentrated Phytochemical-Rich Nutritional Capsule in Addition to a Probiotic Capsule on Clinical Outcomes among Individuals with COVID-19—The UK Phyto-V Study

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Williams, Madeleine 
Kumar, Rajeev 

Abstract

jats:pGut microflora dysbiosis affects the majority of individuals after COVID-19, contributing to both gastro-intestinal (GI) and non-GI symptoms. Natural phytochemicals have reported anti-viral properties and favourable effects on inflammatory and oxidative pathways, both important for tissue damage post-viral pneumonia. This study involved 147 participants with symptomatic COVID-19, randomised to receive a placebo (P) or a phytochemical-rich concentrated food capsule (PC) in addition to a pre/probiotic lactobacillus capsule. Participants taking the PC had an almost two-fold reduction in mean fatigue scores compared to P [p = 0.02], a three-fold reduction in cough score and more than a double improvement in overall well-being scores [p = 0.02]. Two (1.5%) participants reported mild, increased bloating which they felt was attributable to the capsules, although GI symptoms improved in 25 of 31 participants (82%) who reported them at baseline. Sedentary, older, previously hospitalised men with GI symptoms had a statistically significantly improvement among those given the probiotic. Although some participants with early disease would have improved spontaneously, such a rapid improvement observed in the majority of participants, who had been suffering for an average of 108 days, was clinically relevant and welcomed, especially among those more likely to have pre-existing gut dysbiosis. We are now evaluating whether this blend could also enhance antibody titres post-COVID-19 vaccination.</jats:p>

Description

Keywords

32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 3202 Clinical Sciences, Dietary Supplements, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Coronaviruses, Nutrition, Infectious Diseases, Clinical Research, Digestive Diseases, Prevention, Complementary and Integrative Health, Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities, Biotechnology, 6.1 Pharmaceuticals, Oral and gastrointestinal, 3 Good Health and Well Being

Journal Title

COVID

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2673-8112
2673-8112

Volume Title

2

Publisher

MDPI AG