ObjectivesTo assess the effect of the probiotic VSL#3 in prevention of neonatal sepsis in low birthweight (LBW) infants.DesignRandomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.SettingCommunity setting in rural India.ParticipantsLBW infants aged 3–7 days.InterventionsInfants were randomised to receive probiotic (VSL#3, 10 billion colony-forming units (cfu)) or placebo for 30 days, and were followed up for 2 months.Main outcome measurePossible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) as per the Integrated Management of Neonatal Childhood Illnesses algorithm, as diagnosed by fieldworkers/physicians.Results668 infants were randomised to VSL#3 and 672 to placebo. By intention-to-treat analysis, the risk of PSBI among infants in the overall population of LBW infants was not statistically significant (RR 0.79 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.03)). Probiotics reduced median days of hospitalisation (6 days vs 3 days in probiotics) (p=0.018) but not the risk of hospitalisation (RR 0.66 (95% CI 0.42 to 1.04). The onset of PSBI in 10% of infants occurred on the 40th day in the probiotics arm versus the 25th day in the control arm (p=0.063).ConclusionsDaily supplementation of LBW infants with probiotics VSL#3 (10 billion cfu) for 30 days led to a non-significant 21% reduction in risk of neonatal sepsis. A larger study with sufficient power and a more specific primary end point is warranted to confirm the preventive effect of VSL#3 on neonatal sepsis in LBW infants.Trial registration numberThe study is registered at the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2008/091/000049).

c l i n i c a l e p i d e m i o l o g y a n d g l o b a l h e a l t h 5 (2 0 1 7) 1 4-2 0 a r t i c l e i n f o Article history:

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COVID-19 has impacted mankind drastically; whether it be physical and mental health, global economy, or social disruption, everyone has sustained losses. To prevent the spread, strict containment measures and stay at home guidelines were issued by officials. Due to this, an unanticipated and rapid change has occurred in the daily routine and lifestyle of the people. Physical distancing and quarantine measures strongly impacted people’s lives, their eating habits and everyday ablutions. A comprehensive search of recent literature related to nutrition and diet during the pandemic was undertaken using electronic databases like MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. This review deals with the effects of COVID-19 on malnutrition, the foods that help in boosting the immune system, and on specific, vulnerable, age groups. Although there are various health concerns that has come up during the pandemic, through this review, we investigate some aspects related to nutrition as the recovery of every individual who was affected by COVID-19 was influenced by their nutritional intake.

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