Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 2 — RCT / large cohortPeer-reviewed

The Contribution of Diet Therapy and Probiotics in the Treatment of Sarcopenia Induced by Prolonged Immobilization Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Carmen Delia Nistor-Cseppento, Titus David Moga, Alexa Florina Bungău, Delia Mirela Ţiţ, Nicoleta Negruţ, Bianca Pașca, Călin Florin Bochiș, Timea Claudia Ghitea, Anamaria Jurcău, Anamaria Lavinia Purza, Diana Uivaroșan

Nutrients · 2022

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Summary

This prospective randomised trial examined non-pharmacological management of sarcopenia in 200 COVID-19 patients with prolonged immobilisation. Patients receiving combined high-protein diet therapy (1.2–1.5 g/kg), probiotics, and physical training for two months showed significant improvements in skeletal muscle index and haemoglobin levels compared to physical training alone, with more patients achieving normal muscle mass indices.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted in an unspecified location and addresses acute post-COVID sarcopenia management in the pandemic context. Findings are potentially applicable to United Kingdom clinical settings managing prolonged COVID sequelae, though UK practitioners should consider local dietary guidelines, probiotic evidence standards, and the shifting epidemiology of post-COVID disability.

Key measures

Skeletal muscle index (SMI, kg/m²), serum albumin (g/dL), haemoglobin (g/dL), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, number of patients achieving normal SMI

Outcomes reported

The study measured skeletal muscle index (SMI), serum albumin, and haemoglobin levels in sarcopenic COVID-19 patients treated with high-protein diet therapy and probiotics versus control. It assessed changes in muscle mass, nutritional biomarkers, and functional status over two months.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Micronutrients & dietary adequacy
Study type
Research
Study design
Prospective randomised controlled trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Human clinical
DOI
10.3390/nu14214701
Catalogue ID
SNmq64cam9-hsybxl

Topic tags

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