Long COVID

COVID-19. Ideally overcome after two weeks, the supposed recovery can be deceptive. Because more and more studies show that even in mild courses, a considerable proportion of those affected have to contend with massive late effects. We show what shadows a SARS-CoV-2 infection can cast and which micronutrients can help with the health aftermath. In recent months, a new disease syndrome has been the talk of the international specialist media: the so-called „Post-COVID“ or „Long-COVID“. This phenomenon encompasses a range of symptoms that persist or reappear despite overcoming COVID-19. It is estimated that around 10–20% of those affected suffer from symptoms, some of which are severe, even though active coronaviruses are no longer detectable in the body. While it is difficult to estimate when those affected will be the „old“ again, selected micronutrients can be valuable companions in recovery from a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

After seemingly surviving a SARS-CoV-2 infection, many affected people have their energy levels in the basement. Even with the smallest activities, they feel overwhelmed, are quickly exhausted. This drop in form not only costs a lot in terms of quality of life, it also impairs work ability and performance. Triggers of the leaden fatigue seem to be changes in metabolism and hormone balance (and thus also in brain function) as well as persistent smoldering inflammations. In addition, cells seem to find it harder to draw energy from a variety of sources.

The vitamin-like substance coenzyme Q10 acts as a kind of spark in our body's cellular power plants, ensuring that our cells are supplied with energy. Selected plant extracts, such as extracts from ginseng, guarana and maca, help to provide a „green“ energy kick. These natural eye openers provide energy, reduce fatigue and support mental performance. As mentioned at the outset, persistent inflammatory reactions also play a major role in the observed states of fatigue. To keep these in check, can be helpful above all Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, as well as selected probiotics.

A recent study by Tiwari et al. showed an improvement in cardiorespiratory endurance with daily intake of 600 mg ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) for eight weeks in healthy, athletic adults, with a 60% improvement in fatigue and 46% improvement in energy deficiency. 

Because of the symptomatic parallels of long covid syndrome to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), both coenzyme Q10/ubiquinol and NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) play an essential component as part of the electron transport chain responsible for mitochondrial ATP production. CFS has been shown to show disturbances in CoQ10 and NADH levels, as well as redox status. In a study of 207 patients by Castro-Marrero et al, administration of 200 mg CoQ10 and 20 mg NADH over a 12-week period resulted in a reduction in cognitive fatigue ("brainfog") and general fatigue perception, as well as an improvement in quality of life and sleep.
 

SARS-CoV-2 infection can not only ravage certain organs (e.g., lungs, liver, kidney), damage blood vessels, and cause inflammatory responses, but growing reports also implicate the nervous system. Quite a few of the now well-known Long-COVID symptoms can be traced back to such neurological disturbances – disturbances that can often persist months later, such as the frequently described olfactory and gustatory disturbances.

To support the regeneration of the nervous system, targeted Omega 3 fatty acids (=important nerve components) as well as B vitamins can be taken. These water-soluble vitamins are jointly responsible for a healthy nervous system in many ways, because they are needed for brain and nerve metabolism as well as for the development of nerve cells. This makes B vitamins optimal companions in post-COVID complaints of a neurological nature.

An exceptional situation, such as a SARS-CoV-2 infection, can trigger different feelings. They can be frightening, arouse worry and guilt, make sleepless. In addition, COVID-19 alters the stress hormone axis and causes the level of the stress hormone cortisol to drop. The lowered cortisol level not only worsens stress resistance, but blood pressure can drop, circulatory problems can occur – and exhaustion is fed.

To arm the body's own stress defenses, should be upgraded under mental stress with the right micronutrients. Neben den B-Vitaminen als Nervennahrung, Coenzym Q10 als Energiespender und dem Antistressmineral Magnesium sind auch die mineralischen Stressmanager Kalium, Zink und Selen gefragt, da sie unter Stress vermehrt gebraucht werden.
 

To get back to old form, a restful night's sleep is indispensable for post-COVID sufferers – but it is precisely this that is lacking in many cases. In addition to worries and fears that keep people awake, the sleep-wake rhythm can be disturbed on a hormonal level. Selected vital substances can help with insomnia in many ways. In addition to the sandman hormone melatonin, which restimulates the sleep-wake rhythm and can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, extracts of ashwagandha, hops and valerian have also proven effective. While ashwagandha supports the phase of falling asleep, hops and valerian contribute to better sleep. Useful additions to these plant extracts are minerals and vitamins such as magnesium or vitamin B6, which support the nervous system and psyche.

While initially observed in children, it is now known that the virus can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms in adults – sometimes even as the sole symptom. As with any other gastrointestinal infection, „scars“ may remain in the intestinal flora and mucosa even after symptoms have subsided. Pro- and prebiotics as well as selected micronutrients can support the health of the intestine and its inhabitants. In terms of intestinal flora, especially lactobacilli and bifidobacteria as well as soluble fiber are considered particularly useful. An attacked intestinal mucosa can be maintained particularly well with the vitamins A, D, B2, B3 and biotin.

A SARS-CoV-2 infection takes a toll on your body's energy and reserves. A laboratory diagnostic examination of the micronutrient balance reflects the individual situation particularly well and shows where action is needed. So können die Erholungsprozesse gezielt gefördert und das gesunde Gleichgewicht wiederhergestellt werden. Ihr Arzt berät Sie sicher gerne!