Probiotics? Really?

This is quick and unpolished to get it to you while there might be enough time to get something before Christmas to help you fend off the big bad C-word. I just stumbled upon this yesterday.

It turns out there is evidence of some probiotics reducing the severity of COVID and/or shortening the duration of the initial phase. While looking into this, I also found a few anecdotal reports of such probiotics turning out to be helpfor for some Long COVID patients.

Important Caveats

Do not give probiotics to very small children (e.g. under 3 years old).

Do not assume all probiotics (and prebiotics) are the same. They aren’t. The ones where I’ve come across serious studies indicating helpfulness against COVID are only the ones I name here today. If you just grab a probiotic off the shelf and it isn’t one of these, I don’t know what will happen.

The first one I mention below is sometimes packaged with lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, look for a dairy-free formulation. A quick look did not find that easily in the UK, but did find it in the USA.

Click here for a general article about probiotics in this context.

Streptococcus salivarius k12

Streptococcus salivarius k12 may show up abbreviated as BLIS K12. We pick it up as babies. Pay attention to all the parts of that name. I don't see clinical evidence for SS M18 (but of course I haven’t had much time to look yet).

Click here to find out more about this one.

Vivomixx

Vivomixx seems to be even more effective, but may cost more. Click here to find out more about this one.

Reminder

I usually dig into this type of information more before passing it along to you. With a major holiday coming, and with many people drawn to take a few extra chances in order to spend time with others, and with even WHO showing some alarm about the current state of things… holding onto this until later seemed wrong. I don’t have as much depth about these probiotics as I want, but you deserve every possible chance of protecting yourself.

As always, your mileage may vary.

This may be my last post to you before Christmas Day. For that day, I promise something light and funny. I wish all of you the very best.