Professor Robert Thomas is back on the podcast talking about all things to do with Long COVID and some preliminary results from the UK’s only Covid nutrition intervention trial - The Phyto V study. A randomised double blind placebo controlled trial evaluating the influence of a phytochemical rich whole foods capsule plus a probiotic capsule on clinical outcomes among individuals with covid-19 viral infection. The hypothesis for this study is that starting a nutritional intervention in covid-19 positive patients displaying symptoms could shorten the severity or duration of illness. This may or may not have an impact on Long Covid and there are some anecdotes of benefit, however we can’t say for certain whether it’s useful for everyone.

What polyphenols were included in the supplement I hear you ask? The researchers used ones that show promise in other viral illnesses and are found in common foods including: The flavanone polyphenol hesperetin found in citrus fruits; the Anthraquinone derivative aloe emodin found in Aloe Vera; Quercetin, a flavonoid found in, onions, apple, pomegranate and citrus fruits; Apigenin a polyphenol found in parsley, chamomile tea and fruit. Curcumin curcuminoids found in turmeric; ellagic acid found in pomegranate.

As a reminder, Professor Robert Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist at Bedford and Addenbrooke’s Hospitals, a clinical teacher at Cambridge University and visiting Professor of Sports and nutritional science at the University of Bedfordshire. He is lead of a Lifestyle and Cancer Research Unit, and is also medical advisor to the website Cancernet.co.uk. Through his amazing work - Prof Robert Thomas has previously been awarded The British Oncology Association’s “Oncologist of the Year” and The Royal College of Radiologist medal.

On Today’s podcast you will learn :

• About the details of the study that is yet to be published
• The theory behind using a probiotic and a nutrient dense supplement
• The tips for covid that are evidence based which could reduce severity
• The new study looking at how to potentially enhance the antibody response of the immune system from the vaccine

Rather than to try and demonstrate the need for a supplement, what prof hopes to show is that using a polyphenol rich diet may be beneficial to prevent prolonged covid symptoms. 

The details for the trial and other trials that professor mentions are on theDoctorskitchen.com podcast show notes. We’re doing another podcast dedicated to Robert's new book “How to Live” which I can’t recommend enough, but for that I think it needs its own distinct episode.

Please do enjoy this conversation with Professor Robert Thomas and do check out The Doctor's Kitchen website for full show notes on this and all other episodes

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