P957 - A GUT FEELING: FIBER INTAKE FALLS SHORT IN PATIENTS WITH LONG COVID.

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P957

A GUT FEELING: FIBER INTAKE FALLS SHORT IN PATIENTS WITH LONG COVID.

L. De Hart1,2,*, B. G. Jimenez Garcia 1,2, L. Leemans1,2, E. De Waele1,2

1Clinical Nutrition Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis (UZ Brussel), 2Metabolism and Nutrition (MENU), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium

 

Rationale: Functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) has been recognized in long covid (LC) patients (1).  Covid infection induces intestinal epithelial damage, villous blunting and altered gut microbiota (2) leading to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating (1, 2). Fiber plays an important role in a healthy gut microbiome and stool formation (3). The aim of this study was to evaluate the baseline fiber intake and to determine the presence of GIT dysfunction in LC patients.

Methods: Baseline demographic data and dietary intake of participants with LC in a single center randomised controlled pilot trial were evaluated.  All participants completed a 3-day food diary of which the daily intake of nutrients, including fiber, were calculated using the Belgian Food Composition Database Nubel PRO. The difference between the baseline fiber intake and the recommendation of The Belgian High Health Council of 25 grams,  was determined with a one-sample T-test.  The intervention group received weekly dietary consults for 12 weeks, the clinical notes were analysed for mentions of any GIT symptoms.

Results: The food diaries of 62 participants (186 observation days) were evaluated  (see Table 1).  The fiber intake was lower than recommended in 73% of the female and 70% of the male participants. Clinical notes were available in 27 participants and of them, 48% reported GIT symptoms.  The most reported symptoms were constipation, diarrhea, bloating and post prandial stomach pain.

Table1

 

Fiber intake

(gram)

P-value

Female (n=40)

21 ± 6

<0,001

Male (n=22)

22 ± 7

<0,05

Conclusion: The fiber intake was significantly lower than recommended in LC patients. GIT symptoms were reported in 48% of the intervention group.  Clinician should enquire about GIT symptoms in LC patients. More research is needed. 

References:         1. Shih AR. 2022. Human Pathology

        2. Vernia F. 2023. Medicina

        3. Sonnenburg ED. 2014. Cell Metab

Disclosure of Interest: None declared