An illness with SARS-CoV-2 (the pandemic coronavirus) is something one would preferably avoid. Both the acute phase, which can sometimes lead to hospitalization and severe outcomes, and its consequences are not trivial matters. Even if the acute phase progresses mildly, it does not mean one is immune to the long-term issues associated with so-called "Long-COVID."

Long-COVID – What is it exactly?

Long-COVID is officially referred to by the WHO as a post-COVID-19 condition. To qualify as having Long-COVID, symptoms typically must appear three months after the acute infection phase, persist for an extended period, and not be otherwise explainable. Symptoms must last for at least two months and can fluctuate, disappear entirely, and then reoccur.

According to current research, Long-COVID tends to occur more frequently in cases where the acute illness was severe. Approximately 37% of patients who experienced a severe COVID-19 illness develop Long-COVID syndrome.

For patients with mild cases, statistics vary widely depending on factors such as age, gender, and pre-existing conditions, ranging from 4% to 41%.

Gender also plays a role: females are more frequently affected than males, and adolescents are more commonly affected than younger children.¹

Symptoms

The most common symptoms include "fatigue, exhaustion, and reduced tolerance (so-called fatigue), shortness of breath, concentration and memory problems (so-called 'brain fog'), sleep disorders, muscle weakness and pain, mental health issues such as depressive mood and anxiety symptoms, as well as taste and smell disorders." (Quote: Robert Koch Institute, as of April 19, 2022)

These symptoms are severe enough to significantly impact daily life. The symptom pattern closely resembles that of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).¹

Prevention

Preventing Long-COVID syndrome is challenging to pinpoint based on current research. However, aiming for a mild course of acute illness is crucial. The most effective approach is through vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, ideally with two primary vaccinations plus a booster shot.

There is also a reasonable assumption that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can prevent the severity of Long-COVID symptoms or its occurrence.¹

Causes

To effectively support Long-COVID with micronutrients, it is essential to consider the presumed causes identified thus far. Please note that these are preliminary research findings that, while compelling, require further verification. Due to SARS-CoV-2 only being recognized in its current form since 2020, research in this area remains limited and incomplete.

Given that the symptoms of Long-COVID closely resemble those of ME/CFS, attention has also been directed towards exploring similar causes. It is unfortunate that the causes of ME/CFS are not entirely understood, but there are hypotheses that overlap with current support for this condition.¹

The strongest suspicion lies with a condition known as mitochondrial dysfunction.² This involves malfunctioning metabolic pathways within mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate or ATP) for the body. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to chronic energy deficiency, resulting in persistent fatigue and significant loss of function.³
Additionally, the body suffers increased oxidative stress, which further damages blood vessels, impairs organ function, disrupts nerve transmission, etc. Oxidative stress is also problematic during the acute phase because it enhances the replication of coronaviruses in the body.⁴

Since chronic fatigue is often the most severe issue in Long-COVID, it makes sense to provide support in this area.

Support against Fatigue

Product Recommendation:

Coenzyme Q10 is crucial for mitochondrial function and ATP production, essential for combating constant fatigue.⁵ Studies in ME/CFS have successfully used Coenzyme Q10 in combination with NADH, another energy-supplying substance in the body, particularly effective in the brain.⁶

Apart from its role as an energy supplier, Q10 is also one of the most potent antioxidants in the human body, countering increased oxidative stress and supporting the immune system against viruses.⁷

Support for Lung Issues

Product Recommendation:



Another common symptom of Long-COVID is respiratory difficulties, especially following severe acute cases where lung recovery is slow. Therefore, supporting the lungs gently is advisable.

As previously mentioned in other blog articles, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), the medicinal mushroom Ling Zhi, and black seed oil are recommended:

NAC acts as a mucolytic agent, aiding in clearing mucus, which is prevalent in SARS-CoV-2 infections.^8,9 Additionally, NAC acts as a potent antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress, particularly beneficial in lung conditions.¹⁰ Moreover, it has been demonstrated that NAC reduces the replication of coronaviruses in the body, particularly in the lungs.¹¹

Ling Zhi, the Asian medicinal mushroom, is packed with bioactive compounds, including triterpenes and polysaccharides.¹² This mushroom has a modulating effect on the immune system, lowering activity in cases of overactivity and boosting it when underactive. It particularly influences B and T lymphocytes.^13,14 As a result, Ling Zhi is frequently used in cases of lung and bronchial infections.¹⁵

Black cumin oil supports the lungs indirectly through the immune system and the liver with Alpha-Hederin and Thymoquinon.^16,17 It activates killer cells and T cells of the immune system, providing targeted support for lung issues.^18,19

For Venous Issues

Product Recommendation:





Also, the veins and blood vessels are affected by SARS-CoV-2. It has been found that fine blood vessels, such as those in the heart and brain, are particularly prone to destruction or blockage by the coronavirus.⁴ This is especially dangerous because it significantly increases the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. NN Veinrefresher ® contains tomato extract, which includes the active substance Lycopene, enhancing blood flow and thereby preventing thrombosis.^20,21

Reducing Oxidative Stress

Product Recommendation:

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in Long-COVID. It is particularly dangerous because free radicals can damage blood vessels, organs, and tissues, leading not only to inflammation but also potentially causing the immune system to overreact and promoting serious illnesses such as cancer.

Fortunately, nature has provided us with abundant substances to combat this issue. In NN Antioxidant, you will find several:

• L-Glutathione is one of the strongest antioxidants in the body, particularly present in the lungs and liver.²²
• R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid, also included, is another extremely potent antioxidant essential for neutralizing oxygen radicals.²³
• L-Glutamine is an amino acid that protects the intestinal wall from attacks, crucial because the gut houses the immune system.²⁴
• Additionally, the powerful combination includes the aforementioned substances NAC and Lycopene.

Therefore, while there are currently no conventional medical solutions for Long-COVID, it is possible to support the body during this challenging situation with micronutrients.

Dr. Reinhard Pichler – www.reinhardpichler.at

 

1. https://www.rki.de/SharedDocs/FAQ/NCOV2019/FAQ_Liste_Gesundheitliche_Langzeitfolgen.html  
2. Gröber, Uwe: Long-COVID - eine Mitochondriopathie?, Erfahrungsheilkunde, 2021
3. Lin, M.T. et al.: Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases; Nature, 2006
4. Pierce, J. et al.: Post-COVID-19 Syndrome; Nursing Research, 2022
5. Kendler, B. S.: Supplemental Conditionally Essential Nutrients in Cardiovascular Disease Therapy; The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2006
6. Castro-Marrero, J. et al.: Effect of Dietary Coenzyme Q10 Plus NADH Supplementation on Fatigue Perception and Health-Related Quality of Life in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial; Nutrients, 2021
7. Werbach, M.R.: Nutritional Strategies for Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Alternative Medicine Review, 2000
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9. Stav, D. et al.: Raz M. Effect of N-Acetylcysteine on Air Trapping in COPD; Chest, 2009
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11. Codo, A.C. et al.; Elevated Glucose Levels Favor SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Monocyte Response through a HIF-1α/Glycolysis-Dependent Axis; Cell Metabolism, 2020
12. Cör, D. et al.; Antitumour, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Antiacetylcholinesterase Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum Terpenoids and Polysaccharides: A Review, Molecules, 2018
13. Wachtel-Galor, S. et al.; Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom, Benzie, I. F. F. et al. (Hrgs.). Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2011
14. Ma, C. et al.; Differential protein expression in mouse splenic mononuclear cells treated with polysaccharides from spores of Ganoderma lucidum. Phytomedicine, 2008
15. Chen, S. D. et al.; Effects of fermentation products of Ganoderma lucidum on growth performance and immunocompetence in weanling pigs, Archives of Animal Nutrition, 2008
16. Ibrahim, F.M. et al.; Biochemical characterization, anti-inflammatory properties and ulcerogenic traits of some cold-pressed oils in experimental animals, Pharmaceutical Biology, 2017
17. Hassanien, M.F. et al.; Health-promoting value and food applications of black cumin essential oil: an overview, Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2015)
18. Koshak, A. et al.; Nigella sativa supplementation improves asthma control and biomarkers: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, Phytotherapy Research, 2017
19. Salem, A.M. et al.; Effect of Nigella sativa supplementation on lung function and inflammatory mediatorsin partly controlled asthma: a randomized controlled trial,
    Annals of Saudi Medicine, 2017
20. Jacques, P.F. et al.: Relationship of lycopene intake and consumption of tomato products to incident CVD; British Journal of Nutrition, 2013 
21. Silaste, M. L. et al.: Tomato juice decreases LDL cholesterol levels and increases LDL resistance to oxidation; British Journal of Nutrition, 2007
22. Cantin, A.M. et al.: Oxidant mediated epithelial cell injury in pulmonary fibrosis, 1987
23. Gröber, Uwe: Orthomolekulare Medizin. ein Leitfaden für Apotheker und Ärzte; Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2002
24. Yalcin, S. S. et al.: Effect of glutamine supplementation on diarrhoea, interleukin-8 and secretory immunoglobulin A in chil