Evaluation of the effect of Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT 5711 consumption in health care workers exposed to COVID-19

Abstract

Following the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, an unprecedented burden has been placed on health care systems, with health care workers (HCWs) being most at risk of COVID-19 infection. The effect of the probiotic Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT 5711 on frontline HCWs exposed to the virus was studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Parameters related to the incidence and severity of COVID-19 as well as the immune response and the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine were evaluated. For 2 months, a group of 250 front-line HCWs over the age of 20 was randomly allocated to receive either L. coryniformis K8 or a placebo daily. SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence was verified via PCR or antigen test. In those volunteers who were vaccinated during the intervention, serum levels of specific IgG were analyzed at the end of the study. The incidence of COVID-19 infection was very low [IR (SD) = 0.016 (0.011)], and no significant difference was found between the groups [IRR (95% CI): 1.008 (0.140–7.268), p = 0.994]. For immune response analysis, the total sample was divided according to the days between the first dose and the antibody analysis (cutoff points were set at ≤ 56, 57–80 and ≥ 81 days). The specific IgG level decreased over time (p > 0.001). However, in the subgroup of subjects for whom more than 81 days had passed since they received the first dose, the specific IgG levels were significantly higher in the those that took the L. coryniformis K8 [7.12 (0.21)] than in the control group [6.48 (0.19)] (P = 0.040). Interestingly, the subjects who started probiotic consumption before the first dose reported significantly fewer side effects (of any kind) at the 1st dose of the vaccine (OR: 0.524, p = 0.043), specifically less arm pain (OR: 0.467, p = 0.017). In conclusion, the administration of L. coryniformis K8 CECT 5711 to HCWs helps to extend the immune protection generated by the COVID-19 vaccine over time.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation and SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody response in healthy adults: a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

“… 20–22 To our knowledge, only two other randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies have previously examined the effects of probiotic supplementation on spike-specific antibody responses after COVID-19 vaccination. 23 , 24 In a recently published study on Spanish health-care workers, individuals who consumed Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 had significantly higher serum levels of anti-S IgG levels ≥81 days post-first vaccine dose compared to individuals in the placebo arm. 23 However, this sub-group analysis also included several individuals who had started in the trial between their first and second vaccine doses, and since the time-dependent comparisons were made relative only to the first vaccine dose, it is unclear how the probiotic affected the waning of antibody titers after full vaccination.…”

“… 23 , 24 In a recently published study on Spanish health-care workers, individuals who consumed Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 had significantly higher serum levels of anti-S IgG levels ≥81 days post-first vaccine dose compared to individuals in the placebo arm. 23 However, this sub-group analysis also included several individuals who had started in the trial between their first and second vaccine doses, and since the time-dependent comparisons were made relative only to the first vaccine dose, it is unclear how the probiotic affected the waning of antibody titers after full vaccination. 23 In another study using the same probiotic strain, Fernández-Ferreiro et al analyzed serum levels of anti-RBD IgG and IgA in 200 nursing home residents (>60 years old) who started taking Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 or a placebo product between the two doses of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine.…”

A comprehensive perspective on the interaction between gut microbiota and COVID-19 vaccines

“…Recently, a trial tested how the probiotic Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 (LCK8) affects healthcare workers (HCWs) who face a high risk of infection from COVID-19. 36 . The trial was randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled.…”

“… The probiotic L. coryniformis K8 CECT 5711 helps HCWs maintain their immune protection from the COVID-19 vaccine for longer. 36 Effect and Tolerability of a Nutritional Supplement Based on a Synergistic Combination of beta-Glucans and Selenium- and Zinc-Enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ABB C1((R))) in Volunteers Receiving the Influenza or the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Interventional study Spain Completed The study population consisted of healthy volunteers aged 18 to 65 years who received either the influenza vaccine (Chiromas®) or the COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty®). The control group received a placebo supplement identical in appearance and taste to the intervention supplement for the same duration as the intervention group.…”

Potential of macronutrients and probiotics to boost immunity in patients with SARS-COV-2: a narrative review

“…Several randomized controlled trials are underway investigating the effect of probiotic strains on SARS-CoV-2 severity, which may directly affect patients ( 78 , 79 ). A study comparing probiotic-enriched formulas with placebo formula in adult symptomatic Covid19 outpatients reported that the probiotic-enriched formulas reduced symptom duration, viral load, and lung infiltrates while increasing SARS-CoV2-specific IgM and IgG in Covid19 outpatients ( 80 ).…”