Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California has initiated a clinical research study to investigate the possibility that a low-carbohydrate diet, specifically designed to reduce inflammation, may offer relief for symptoms of long COVID. The research is grounded on the hypothesis that sustained inflammatory reactions could be the underlying factor in long COVID conditions. The study aims to involve 50 participants, with half receiving a dietary modification, in order to assess the impact of diet on this yet-to-be-cured syndrome. Should the study yield positive results, it may set the stage for more extensive research and the development of new therapeutic approaches for long COVID.
Long COVID, a term used to describe a collection of persistent health issues experienced post-recovery from a COVID-19 infection, affects an estimated 7% of the American population. The symptoms may vary widely and can include fatigue, cognitive impairment, headaches, chest discomfort, heart irregularities, among others.
At present, there is a lack of confirmed treatments for long COVID, and the physiological processes that lead to the condition are not completely understood.
The clinical research is being led by Adupa Rao, MD, who serves as the medical director of the Keck Medicine Covid Recovery Clinic.
Table of Contents
Focused Research on Dietary Impact
This new trial from Keck Medicine aims to understand whether an anti-inflammatory diet may be instrumental in mitigating the symptoms often associated with long COVID. The study is rooted in recent findings suggesting that long COVID may be the result of an excessive inflammatory response activated during the initial COVID-19 infection but, for some individuals, persists even after the infection has subsided. Elevated levels of inflammation can result in damage to various organs and give rise to multiple health complications.
Adupa Rao, MD, noted that the trial is designed to explore whether dietary choices can suppress the body’s inflammatory processes and thereby effectively attenuate or eliminate the symptoms of long COVID.
Detailed Study Protocols and Methods
The investigation will scrutinize the anti-inflammatory properties of a low-carbohydrate diet aimed at reducing blood glucose levels, in conjunction with a medical food designed to elevate blood ketone levels. Ketones such as beta-hydroxybutyrate, which is the active component in the medical food under consideration, are produced by the body for energy when carbohydrate and sugar intake is minimal. Both low-carb diets and elevated ketone levels have been linked to reduced inflammation.
The study will enroll 50 patients suffering from long COVID who are currently receiving treatment at the Keck Medicine’s Covid Recovery Clinic. The participants will be divided into two groups: one group will undergo a 30-day dietary intervention, while the other will not. At the conclusion of this period, the researchers will evaluate patient tolerance to the dietary changes, and assess both inflammatory indicators and the severity of long COVID symptoms between the two groups.
The Broader Implications and Future Directions
Should the dietary modifications prove to be both tolerable and effective in addressing the health concerns of the participants, plans are in place to expand the trial to encompass a larger subject pool. Nuria Pastor-Soler, MD, PhD, the principal investigator of the study and an associate professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine, emphasized the crucial nature of such research in broadening our comprehension of long COVID and paving the way for effective treatments to enhance patients’ quality of life.
The study is additionally noteworthy for its funding from the Amy P. Goldman Foundation and involves researchers like Ken Hallows, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about long COVID and diet
What is the primary aim of the clinical study initiated by Keck Medicine of USC?
The primary aim of the clinical study is to investigate the efficacy of a low-carbohydrate diet in alleviating symptoms of long COVID. The research is premised on the hypothesis that sustained inflammation may be a key factor underlying long COVID.
Who are the primary researchers involved in this study?
The study is led by Adupa Rao, MD, the medical director of the Keck Medicine Covid Recovery Clinic. Nuria Pastor-Soler, MD, PhD, serves as the principal investigator and is an associate professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine.
How many participants will the study involve?
The study plans to enroll 50 patients who are currently suffering from long COVID and are being treated at Keck Medicine’s Covid Recovery Clinic.
What are the specifics of the dietary intervention?
The dietary intervention involves a low-carbohydrate diet aimed at reducing blood glucose levels. It is combined with a medical food designed to raise blood ketone levels, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
What symptoms of long COVID are being considered in the study?
The symptoms considered include fatigue, cognitive impairment, headaches, chest discomfort, and heart irregularities among others, although the focus is primarily on the role of inflammation as a root cause.
What will happen at the end of the 30-day dietary intervention?
At the conclusion of the 30-day period, researchers will assess how well patients have tolerated the dietary changes. They will also compare inflammatory markers and the severity of long COVID symptoms between the group that received the dietary intervention and the one that did not.
What are the future implications of this study?
If the dietary intervention proves effective and tolerable, researchers plan to expand the trial to a larger patient population. The ultimate goal is to deepen the understanding of long COVID and to develop effective treatments to improve patients’ quality of life.
Who funds this clinical trial?
The clinical trial is funded by the Amy P. Goldman Foundation.
Are there other researchers involved in this study?
Yes, Ken Hallows, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine, is also a researcher involved in this study.
What is the significance of this study for the broader medical community?
The study aims to offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying long COVID and to potentially pave the way for future treatments. The results could have broad implications for understanding the role of diet and inflammation in chronic conditions.
More about long COVID and diet
- Keck Medicine of USC Official Website
- Overview of Long COVID Symptoms and Current Treatments
- Medical Research on Inflammation and COVID-19
- The Role of Diet in Chronic Illness
- Information on Clinical Trials Funded by the Amy P. Goldman Foundation
- Profile of Adupa Rao, MD, and Nuria Pastor-Soler, MD, PhD
- Recent Developments in COVID-19 Research
- Understanding the Effects of Ketones and Low-Carbohydrate Diets on Health
10 comments
interesting read. could this be the future of long covid treatment? if so, sign me up.
Kinda skeptical about the whole low-carb thing but if science backs it, who am I to argue?
Why only 50 participants? Seems like a small sample size for something this serious. But then, I’m no scientist.
Wow, so diet may not just be about weight loss but actually managing serious conditions! thats news to me.
Diet’s always overlooked, so good to see serious research on this. Can’t wait to hear more about the outcomes.
This is a game changer if the study proves positive. Been suffering frm long COVID for a while, any hope is welcome!
Desperate for any sort of relief from long COVID symptoms, Hope this study actually delivers.
When can we expect results? The sooner the better, many ppl are waiting for a breakthrough like this.
Really eye-opening article. Never thought diet could be so crucial in dealing with something as complex as long COVID.
Does this mean we can treat other inflammatory diseases with diet too? Really makes u think.