Beneficial Effects on Exercise Capacity Associated with a Combination of Lactoferrin, Lysozyme, Lactobacillus, Resveratrol, Vitamins, and Oligoelements in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Although long-term COVID-19 symptoms are common, little is known about the management of post-COVID-19 condition. The aim of the current report is to evaluate the effects of a combination of lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactobacillus, resveratrol, vitamins, and oligoelements (PIRV-F20^®) on the exercise capacity of post-COVID-19 patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients referred to a specific outpatient clinic dedicated to post-COVID-19 condition from April 2022 to April 2023 was conducted. Subjects of both sexes, aged ≥18 years, with previous COVID-19 in the preceding 12 months, persistent symptoms consistent with post-COVID syndrome, and initial exercise impairment were included. Exclusion criteria were as follows: active cancer, end-stage conditions, severe musculoskeletal conditions, or patients with a history of limited functional capacity, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Patients who reported having taken PIRV-F20^® for at least 6 weeks were compared to patients who refused this treatment. Six-minute walking distance was the primary endpoint. Results: Forty-four patients (56.8% women, aged 49.1 ± 18.1 years) were included in the study. The group of patients who reported having taken PIRV-F20^® exhibited a significant improvement of 6MWD (median: +40 m; IQR: 10-65 m, p vs. baseline: 0.02), which was significantly superior (p: 0.01) when compared to the controls (median: +10 m; IQR: -5-30 m). No differences were found with regard to muscular strength, echocardiographic parameters, and perception of symptoms. Conclusions: Post-COVID-19 individuals who reported having taken PIRV-F20^® for at least six weeks showed a significant improvement in exercise capacity. This finding should be confirmed in larger, prospective, randomized controlled trials.

Keywords: PIRV-F20®; exercise impairment; natural supplement; post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Figure 1

Flow chart of the study, representing the final cohort of patients included and the procedures carried out in the study.

Figure 2

Data on six-minute walking test. (a) The panel shows the differences in six-minute walking distance (6MWD) between the two groups at baseline and after 6 weeks, expressed as mean and standard deviation. In red is the group of individuals who reported having taken PIRV-F20^®, and in blue is the control group. 1 = group of individuals who reported having taken PIRV-F20^® at baseline (T0); 2 = group of individuals who reported having taken PIRV-F20^® after 6 weeks (T1); 3 = control group at baseline (T0); 4 = control group after 6 weeks (T1). (b) In this panel, the figure exhibits for each patient the difference in 6MWD after 6 weeks. (c) The panel represents the changes in 6MWD in the group of individuals who reported having taken PIRV-F20^® (in red) versus the control group (in blue) after 6 weeks.