As the world gradually steps out of the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, a quieter but no less disruptive health issue is gaining attention: long Covid.
Affecting millions globally, including many here in Malaysia, it comes with a wide range of lingering symptoms such as fatigue, memory fog, gut discomfort, and low mood that can last for months after the infection has passed.
Now, a new chapter in recovery is unfolding. Groundbreaking research from Asia is drawing attention to a surprising player in the Long Covid puzzle: the gut microbiome.
This complex ecosystem of bacteria living in our digestive tract is proving to be central not just to our immune system but also to how we recover.
At The Chinese University of Hong Kong, our team has been exploring how gut bacteria influence health and disease for many years. When the pandemic struck, we noticed something remarkable. Covid-19 did not just affect the lungs. It had a profound impact on our gut too.
Even after the virus cleared, many patients experienced imbalances in their gut microbiota, a condition known as dysbiosis, which we found, was closely linked to ongoing inflammation and symptoms of long Covid.
In a major step forward, our team recently published the results of the RECOVERY trial in Lancet Infectious Disease. This was a large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving more than 460 patients experiencing symptoms of long Covid.
What makes this study especially relevant is that we used AI-enhanced metagenomics tailored to Asian population data. This is crucial, as gut microbiota varies across regions, cultures, and diets.
The trial focused on a precision synbiotic formulas designed to correct gut dysbiosis by replenishing missing beneficial bacteria and supporting gut-immune communication.
The Lancet-published formula for long Covid comprises three Bifidobacterium strains, including the star of the show, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, along with three targeted prebiotics.
Bifidobacterium adolescentis (or BA, as we call it) is not your average probiotic. It is difficult to culture because it does not survive in the presence of oxygen, which is why you will not find it in your everyday yoghurt or supplement.
But its benefits are worth the effort. It supports the immune system, reduces inflammation, and encourages the growth of other good bacteria, creating a healthier, more stable gut environment.
We also found that individuals with higher levels of BA tended to recover better and were less susceptible to infections. Reintroducing this precise strain significantly improved multiple symptoms of long Covid, including fatigue, brain fog, and gut discomfort. These are encouraging results significant to improving the lives of patients.
The study did not just look at symptoms. It also showed physiological improvements. There was a boost in microbial diversity, an increase in the production of health-supporting short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and a reduction in harmful or antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In short, the gut was not just feeling better, it was functioning better too.
So what does all this mean for Malaysians still grappling with long Covid, or for anyone looking to support immune recovery after illness or antibiotic use? It suggests we may now have a more targeted, gut-based approach to healing.
This method uses AI to understand what is missing and precision synbiotics to restore it, specifically formulated with Asian microbiomes in mind.
This is more than just fighting off the virus. It is about fixing the damage it leaves behind and building a stronger foundation to face the next health challenge. While further research is still under way, these findings offer doctors, pharmacists, and patients alike a fresh, scientifically backed path to explore.
For the general public, it also offers a valuable reminder. When it comes to gut health, not all probiotics are created equal. If you are experiencing post-Covid fatigue, brain fog, or persistent tummy troubles, it is not enough to use a general, unvalidated formula. The solution needs to be backed by evidence.
With AI and metagenomic mapping, we can now cut through the confusion and match various health problems with evidence-based solutions, guided by the unique microbiome profiles of Asian populations.
As science and technology advances rapidly everywhere, including in the research of the gut microbiome, I encourage parents and caregivers to seek advice from your doctors and pharmacists of these exciting new scientific developments from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
We are honoured to be collaborating with BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy to create awareness to the latest AI-enabled precision probiotics so do seek further information there.
In this new post-pandemic world, the gut is no longer just a digestive organ. It is a central control centre for immunity, resilience, and recovery.
And thanks to the latest advances in science and technology, we may finally be learning how to unlock its full potential.
Gastroenterologist Prof Siew Ng is Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and director of Microbiota I-Center (MagIC).
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
