The Role of Resistant Starch in COVID-19 Infection

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a substantial strain on the healthcare system, with at least 14% of infected patients requiring hospitalization. Identifying ways to ameliorate the progression and severity of the COVID-19 infection and preventing hospitalization is critical. Patients suffering from COVID-19 have been shown to have a significant inflammatory response resembling that of cytokine release syndrome, and it is this inflammatory phase that is thought to drive fatality. To this end, a multi-center randomized clinical trial to determine the efficacy of resistant starch in reducing the need for hospitalization for COVID-19 positive patients will be studied. This study will enroll 1500 non-hospitalized COVID-19 positive individuals who are being monitored in the outpatient setting. Patients will be randomized to either a dietary supplement containing resistant starch or a placebo for 14 days. Our primary outcome is the rate of hospitalization for COVID-19 related complications. Secondary outcomes will look at time to recovery and symptom severity scores.