The Association between Body Mass Index and Probiotics Supplementation with Hospital Stay Duration and Symptoms among COVID-۱۹ Iranian Patients

Background: Coronavirus disease-۲۰۱۹ (COVID-۱۹) can cause a severe respiratory disease and systemic complications. The gut microbiota plays an important role in immune regulation, while obesity may worsen COVID-۱۹ outcomes. This study investigated the interaction between body mass index (BMI) and probiotic supplementation on COVID-۱۹ symptoms and length of hospital stay.Methods: This cross-sectional study included ۱۰۷ Iranian adults aged ۲۰-۶۰ years hospitalized with COVID-۱۹ at Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Demographic characteristics, body composition, probiotic supplementation history, and COVID-۱۹ symptoms were assessed using questionnaires and hospital records. Linear and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations and interactions.Results: Probiotic consumption was negatively associated with lethargy (β=−۳.۰۹; ۹۵%CI: −۴.۸۵, −۱.۳۲; p<۰.۰۱). BMI was positively associated with C-reactive protein (CRP) level (β=۴۷.۴۶; ۹۵%CI: ۵.۲۴, ۸۹.۶۹; p= ۰.۰۲). A correlation was observed between probiotic intake and lower BMI for duration of hospitalization (β=−۳.۲۸; ۹۵%CI: −۷.۲۸, ۰.۰۰; p=۰.۰۵) andD-dimer level (β=−۳.۵۷; ۹۵%CI: −۳۱.۳۵, ۲۴.۲۰; p=۰.۰۷). This association was also observed for diarrhea (OR=۰.۳۲; ۹۵%CI: ۰.۰۱, ۱.۰۰; p=۰.۰۵) and stomachache (OR=۰.۴۳; ۹۵%CI: ۰.۰۰, ۱.۴۵; p= ۰.۰۹).Conclusion: Probiotic consumption was associated with lower lethargy, while higher BMI was correlated with an increased CRP level. The observed interactions between probiotic intake and BMI for hospitalization duration, D-dimer, and gastrointestinal symptoms warrant further investigation in larger longitudinal and randomized controlled studies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Body mass index ، Probiotics ، COVID-۱۹ ، Hospitalization ، Iran