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Gut Microbiota-targeted Interventions for Reducing the Incidence, Duration, and Severity of Respiratory Tract Infections in Healthy Non-elderly Adults.
Karl, J Philip.
  • Karl JP; Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760, USA.
Mil Med ; 186(3-4): e310-e318, 2021 02 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-900446
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

Respiratory tract infections (RTI), such as those caused by influenza viruses and, more recently, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, pose a significant burden to military health care systems and force readiness. The gut microbiota influences immune function, is malleable, and may provide a target for interventions aiming to reduce RTI burden. This narrative review summarizes existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, all of which are gut microbiota-targeted interventions, for reducing the burden of RTI in military-relevant populations (i.e., healthy non-elderly adults). MATERIALS AND

METHODS:

A systematic search strategy was used to identify recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials conducted in healthy non-elderly adults which examined effects of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics on the incidence, duration, and/or severity of RTI, or on immune responses to vaccinations against viruses that cause RTI. Relevant randomized controlled clinical trials not included in those reports were also identified.

RESULTS:

Meta-analyses and multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that certain probiotic strains may reduce the incidence, duration, and/or severity of RTI and improve immune responses to vaccination against RTI-causing pathogens in various populations including healthy non-elderly adults. Fewer randomized controlled trials have examined the effects of prebiotics or synbiotics on RTI-related outcomes in healthy non-elderly adults. Nevertheless, some studies conducted within that population and other populations have observed that certain prebiotics and synbiotics reduce the incidence, duration, and/or severity of RTI or improve immune responses to vaccinations against RTI-causing viruses. However, across all product classes, not all product formulations have shown benefit, and most have not been tested in multiple randomized controlled trials in military-relevant populations.

CONCLUSION:

Dietary supplementation with certain gut microbiota-targeted interventions, and certain probiotics in particular, may provide viable strategies for reducing RTI-related illness in military personnel. Research in military populations is warranted to fully understand the magnitude of any military health and cost benefits, and to establish definitive recommendations for use.
Subject(s)

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Respiratory Tract Infections / Probiotics / Gastrointestinal Microbiome Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials / Reviews / Systematic review/Meta Analysis Topics: Vaccines Limits: Adult / Humans Language: English Journal: Mil Med Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Milmed

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Respiratory Tract Infections / Probiotics / Gastrointestinal Microbiome Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials / Reviews / Systematic review/Meta Analysis Topics: Vaccines Limits: Adult / Humans Language: English Journal: Mil Med Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Milmed