Flavonoids and Preventing Diarrhea in COVID-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the virus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected over 219 million worldwide and caused the deaths of almost 4.55 million.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus can result in massive inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of infected individuals, which can lead to several clinical symptoms including diarrhea. Previous reports have found that diarrhea prior to COVID-19 infection or COVID-19-induced diarrhea often increases the risk of a poor prognosis.

Previous studies have found that flavonoids can help prevent diarrhea. Flavonoids are a type of phytochemical found in certain foods like berries, kale, onions, and red cabbage. A recent study published in Tropical Biomedicine determines whether flavonoids can help prevent diarrhea caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The researchers found that flavonoids can help prevent diarrhea in COVID-19 patients when used in conjunction with vitamin D. This combination treatment can activate nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2 transcription factor), which downregulates the expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in cells.

Diarrhea in COVID-19

While COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, individuals with COVID-19 can experience many other symptoms as well. Diarrhea is a common clinical symptom in COVID-19 patients.