Kefir: A Protective Dietary Supplementation Against Viral Infection

Overview

Journal Biomed Pharmacother

Specialties Biology
General Medicine
Pharmacology

Date 2020 Nov 13

PMID 33186795

Citations 18

Authors

Reham Samir Hamida

Ashwag Shami

Mohamed Abdelaal Ali

Zakiah Nasser Almohawes

Afrah E Mohammed

Mashael Mohammed Bin-Meferij

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a recently discovered coronavirus termed 'severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2' (SARS-CoV-2). Several scholars have tested antiviral drugs and compounds to overcome COVID-19. 'Kefir' is a fermented milk drink similar to a thin yogurt that is made from kefir grains. Kefir and its probiotic contents can modulate the immune system to suppress infections from viruses (e.g., Zika, hepatitis C, influenza, rotaviruses). The antiviral mechanisms of kefir involve enhancement of macrophage production, increasing phagocytosis, boosting production of cluster of differentiation-positive (CD4), CD8, immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA B cells, T cells, neutrophils, as well as cytokines (e.g., interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, interferon gamma-γ). Kefir can act as an anti-inflammatory agent by reducing expression of IL-6, IL-1, TNF-α, and interferon-γ. Hence, kefir might be a significant inhibitor of the 'cytokine storm' that contributes to COVID-19. Here, we review several studies with a particular emphasis on the effect of kefir consumption and their microbial composition against viral infection, as well as discussing the further development of kefir as a protective supplementary dietary against SARS-CoV-2 infection via modulating the immune response.

Citing Articles

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