The human gut is an extremely complex system. Within the human gut there are 100 trillion microorganisms that provide our body with benefits that they are not able to make on their own. Some of these benefits include: resistance against infection and maturation of our immune systems. So that our gut microbiome and our immune system are able to have a conversation and maintain a healthy relationship, they need to be in sync.
There are direct mechanisms and indirect mechanisms in which probiotics play a role within our immune system. Within the direct mechanisms are those probiotics that play a proinflammatory role and an anti-inflammatory role. Proinflammatory acting probiotics are those that have the ability to fight against infection, cancer and allergies. Those with anti-inflammatory properties are used to regulate immune and nonimmune cells. Indirect mechanisms, play a role with indirectly regulating the immune system by supporting a healthy mucus layer in the gut.
With COVID-19 ever present, a boost in immunity is what is on everyone’s mind. It is important to note that probiotics have not been studied specifically for COVID-19 prevention or treatment. Even though there are some studies that show that gut health plays a major role in immune system function, it may be too soon to recommend probiotics to help boost immunity. Research shows that specific strains of probiotics have immune system-modulating effects but keep in mind, not all probiotics are built the same.
Reference: Dennett C. Probiotics and Immune Health [Internet]. 2020. p. 30. Available from: https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/1020p30.shtml
