Long COVID and the Gut-Brain Connection
Chronic inflammation in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 modulates gut microbiome: a review of literature on COVID-19 sequelae and gut dysbiosis
https://molmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10020-024-00986-6
Study Summary
This article explores the complex relationship between Long COVID and changes in the gut microbiome (the community of microorganisms living in our digestive system). It also discusses how these changes might contribute to neurological symptoms like brain fog and fatigue.
Here's What They Found:
The Gut-Brain Axis… A Two-Way Street: The gut-brain axis is a communication pathway between the gut and the brain, and it's influenced by the gut microbiome. This connection is important because it means that changes in the gut microbiome can potentially affect brain function and contribute to neurological symptoms.
Gut Dysbiosis in Long COVID: People with Long COVID often experience an imbalance in their gut microbiome, known as gut dysbiosis. This imbalance is characterized by a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in potentially harmful bacteria.
How Gut Changes Might Lead to Brain Changes: The article discusses two main mechanisms that might explain how gut dysbiosis in Long COVID could contribute to neurological symptoms:
ACE2 Dysfunction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus can disrupt the function of the ACE2 receptor, which is involved in regulating the gut microbiome and the gut-brain axis. This disruption can lead to changes in the gut microbiome and impair the gut-brain communication pathway.
Inflammation and Immune Response: Gut dysbiosis can trigger inflammation and an immune response, which can affect the brain and contribute to neurological symptoms.
Potential Interventions: The article suggests that interventions like probiotics and dietary supplements might help improve gut health and potentially alleviate some Long COVID symptoms. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of these interventions.
Why It Matters
This research sheds light on the possible underlying mechanisms of Long COVID, particularly the role of the gut microbiome and the gut-brain axis.
Potential Treatment Strategies: By understanding the connection between gut health and Long COVID symptoms, researchers can explore potential therapies that target the gut microbiome to improve outcomes for people with Long COVID.
Holistic Approach to Health: This research emphasizes the interconnectedness of different systems in the body and highlights the importance of considering gut health when addressing neurological conditions.
Citation
Iqbal, N., Khan, H., Khalid, A., Mahmood, S., Nasir, N., Khanum, I., de Siqueira, I., & Van Voorhis, W. (2025). Chronic inflammation in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 modulates gut microbiome: A review of literature on covid-19 sequelae and gut dysbiosis. Molecular Medicine, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10020-024-00986-6