Effect of the Consumption of a Lactobacillus Strain on the Incidence of Covid-19 in the Elderly

Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind Parallel Group Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effect of the Consumption of a Lactobacillus Strain on the Incidence of Covid-19 in the Elderly

The objective of this trial is to evaluate the effect of the consumption of a probiotic strain on the incidence and severity of COVID-19 in elderly population living in a nursing home. In addition, it will be evaluated if the probiotic strain have some effect on the immune response generated by the Covid-19 vaccine inthis population.

The working hypothesis is that the administration of a Lactobacillus strain improves the immune response in the elderly population, improving the immune response to a possible COVID-19 infection. The strain would act as an adjuvant that contributes to developing an effective response against the virus, and therefore there are fewer infectious symptoms due to this virus or, if it appears, it occurs in a milder way among the subjects who take the probiotic strain. Also,the investigators hypothesizes that the administration of the Lactobacillus may improve the immune response generated by the Covid-19 vaccine in this elderly population.

Experimental group that will receive one capsule with the probiotic strain per day (3x10 9 CFU / day) during 3 months

Each participant will consume 1 capsule per day in one of the main meals without any restriction in the diet or in their life habits

Each participant will consume 1 capsule per day in one of the main meals without any restriction in the diet or in their life habits

Incidence of hospital admissions caused by infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by PCR or antigen test

Incidence of ICU admissions caused by infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by PCR or antigen test

In case of SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by PCR or antigen test, Days of persistent feeling of fatigue.

In case volunteers was vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, the serum levels of IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2 will be measured, at 6 weeks from the second dose of the vaccine

In case volunteers was vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, the serum levels of IgA antibody against SARS-CoV-2 will be measured, at 6 weeks from the second dose of the vaccine

Inclusion Criteria: Person over 60 years of age. Intern in residence for the elderly. Sign informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Person who at some previous time has tested positive for detection of COVID-19 by PCR or serology. Person who at the time of starting the intervention presents symptoms compatible with COVID-19. Person with concomitant disease type HIV, transplant, active cancer or other type of active immunosuppression.