The ongoing global battle against COVID-19 and its long-lasting effects, commonly known as Long COVID, requires multifaceted approaches. Research is showing that complementary and integrative health (CIH) practices offer promising adjunct therapeutic strategies, particularly when combined with nutrient-based remedies. Learn what recent studies have found regarding the role of nutritional and integrative interventions in correcting metabolic dysregulation in Long COVID.*

Nutritional Supplementation

A range of nutritional supplements has been indicated by various studies to aid recovery in both people with acute COVID-19 and chronic Long COVID. Here are a few of the findings.

L-Arginine. L-arginine metabolism is necessary for immune and vascular functions. Several studies have indicated that oral supplementation of L-arginine (1.66 g twice a day) or L-arginine plus vitamin C (500 mg a day) for four weeks can be beneficial for Long COVID patients with cardiovascular disorders and immune dysfunction, and may restore:

• Physical performance,
• Endothelial function, and
• Fatigue. 

L-Tryptophan. L-tryptophan is essential for the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin and the sleep hormone melatonin, among other roles. Dysregulation of L-tryptophan metabolism can trigger hyper-inflammation and symptoms such as:

• Anxiety and depression 
• Fatigue  
• Sleep disturbances 
• Attention disorders 
• Muscle weakness 
• Difficulty breathing

Across 11 clinical trials, oral supplementation of L-tryptophan (between 0.14 and 3 g per day) with a regular meal appeared to improve participants’ moods. In addition, amounts of 1 g or more improved their sleep quality and relieved their insomnia. 

Lactoferrin. Iron-poor blood has been identified as a common symptom of Long COVID. In fact, blood iron decreased in many COVID-19 patients within the first week of hospitalization, and continued reduction was noted in many of those who eventually died from the disease. 

Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein that binds iron. It’s present in milk, as well as in several body fluids. Research suggests that oral supplementation of LF could prevent and/or mitigate oxidative damage in cells and inflammatory responses in tissues. Several studies have suggested oral administration of 20–30% iron-saturated milk LF twice a day. 

Additional research reveals that creatine, vitamin B12, CoQ10, and alpha-lipoic acid supplementation have also found support in treating symptoms of Long COVID.

If you’re interested in exploring supplementation as part of your treatment, speak with a trusted healthcare professional about the potential benefits and risks, and what the appropriate doses might be for you.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and complementary therapies

TCM, including herbal formulas like Jinhua Qinggan (JHQG) granules and Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) capsules, has shown efficacy against COVID-19 and Long COVID. JHQG is actually composed of 12 traditional Chinese medicines. It has been shown to relieve such symptoms as:

• Fever,
• Fatigue,  
• Appetite loss, and
• Diarrhea.

In studies, acupuncture and acupoint stimulation therapies have also appeared to offer some relief from various Long COVID symptoms.

Phytotherapy and ayurvedic rasayana therapy

Phytochemicals from medicinal herbs exhibit antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and may help resolve neuro-cognitive impairments in Long COVID. Phytotherapy can include such items as:

• Fish oils,
• Ginger,
• Green tea, and
• Probiotics.

Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy, practiced in India, may offer immunomodulatory support and shows promise in managing Long COVID, as well, including certain related conditions like mucormycosis.

Spinal manipulation

Chiropractic care could complement nutritional strategies by addressing:

• Skeleto-muscular complaints, 
• Fatigue, and 
• Cognitive impairments. 

Further research has been encouraged regarding the integration of chiropractic care with nutrient-based approaches for managing other Long COVID-related symptoms such as  neurological and gastrointestinal issues.

Future directions

The intricate interplay between viral genomes and human metabolism underscores the complexity of Long COVID. Formulating effective nutritional interventions requires a deep understanding of nutrient interactions, bioavailability, and functional activity. 

Scientists are hopeful that precision nutrition-based approaches, along with complementary modalities, hold promise in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by Long COVID, offering hope for effective public health management on a global scale in the face of future viral outbreaks.

*Naidu, A. S., Wang, C. K., Rao, P., Mancini, F., et al. (2024). Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID. npj Sci Food 8, 19. doi.org/10.1038/s41538-024-00261-2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-024-00261-2#citeas 

Responsum Health closely vets all sources to ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, or procedure discussed within.