The Importance of Bifidobacterium in Long Covid
- Vicky Ellenport
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
The connection between the Gut Microbiome and Long Covid (LC) has been the subject of much research. Studies on Covid patients have consistently shown lower relative abundancies of many beneficial bacteria, in particular, Bifidobacteria, Faecalibacteria and Roseburia.
While many bacteria play a role in supporting gut health, Bifidobacterium has been shown to regulate immune responses, positively impact mood and anxiety, reduce inflammation and protect the gut lining.
Furthermore, many different species of Bifidobacterium show positive correlations with improvement in fatigue, gastrointestinal upset and memory loss, all hallmarks of LC.
Bifidobacterium longum as seen under the microscope, courtesy of Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock
A recent study has shown that having a gut microbiome low in Bifidobacterium and overall diversity was more likely to result in a higher disease severity of Covid and/or LC. Other research that tested the gut and nasal microbiome in an active Covid infection showed a decrease in the abundance of Bifidobacterium.
Another study using probiotics in Covid patients showed that Bifidobacterium may offer protection against Covid symptoms through its ability to modulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, and maintain gut barrier function. The findings highlighted the potential of microbiome modulation in the treatment of LC.
The study confirms patterns we first spotted back in 2020 when analysing microbiome samples of clients with LC. Addressing this microbiome imbalance continues to be an important aspect of our treatment plans.
At the Microbiome Group, we focus on increasing levels of Bifidobacteria, using a mix of prebiotics, probiotics and a healthy plant-based Mediterranean diet. Some of the best prebiotics are GOS (Galactooligosaccharides) and Lactulose but there are many others we use, especially as all clients respond differently to prebiotics.
Testing your microbiome is very important and we don't like to prescribe supplements without having those results. Our treatment plans are always individualised according to your specific symptoms and microbiome profile.
REFERENCES:
Hazen et al. (2022) Lost microbes of COVID-19: Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium depletion and decreased microbiome diversity associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection severity. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 9(1)
Taufer CR, Rampelotto PH. (2023) The Role of Bifidobacterium in COVID-19: A Systematic Review. Life (Basel). 13(9):1847
Vicky Ellenport BHSc NUT is a registered Nutritionist and Microbiome Analyst. You can find out more about consultations with her here:
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