Periodic Fasting for Treatment of Long Covid in Adults: a Pilot Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF LUXEMBOURG · Jul 25, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring the effects of a specific type of fasting, called the Buchinger-Wilhelmi method, on adults with Long COVID. Long COVID refers to ongoing symptoms that some people experience after recovering from COVID-19, which can include fatigue, difficulty thinking, and breathing problems. The trial aims to see if a 7-day fasting program can help improve these symptoms and overall health. Researchers will be looking at how fasting affects participants over a 4-week period, including changes in their physical health and mental well-being.

To participate, individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 64, have been diagnosed with Long COVID (showing symptoms for at least 12 weeks), and have a normal body weight. They also need to be able to communicate in English, German, or French, and provide consent to take part in the study. Participants can expect to undergo some tests, including blood draws and questionnaires, to gather information about their health before and after the fasting period. This study is currently recruiting around 20 participants, and it aims to provide insights into potential new ways to manage Long COVID symptoms.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18-64
• • Diagnosis Long Covid Syndrome (post-acute COVID-19 symptoms persisting ≥12 weeks)
• • Normal body Mass Index (18.5 to 25 kg/m2)
• • Marginal Iron status ( PF\< 25 ng/ml)
• • Able to communicate in and comprehend English and/or German and/or French language
• • Present written / signed declaration of consent
• • Ability to understand the patient information and willingness to sign the consent form
• • Consent to specimen collection and specimen use
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current underweight condition (body mass index less than 18.5 kg/m2) or weight loss exceeding 3 kg within the last month or 5 kg within the last three months.
• • Existing / current eating disorder within the past five years (e.g., anorexia, bulimia).
• • Psychiatric condition that limits understanding of the examination protocol (unable to consent)
• • Severe internal disease (e.g. kidney deficiency with creatinine \> 2mg/dl), chronic inflammatory illness other than LCS
• • Participation in another intervention study.
• • Existing vegan diet or fasting during the last six months
• • Pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
• • Presence or suspicion of pre-existing ME/CFS or early autonomous dysfunction
• • Diagnosis of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease or colorectal cancer according to the guidelines of the German Society of Gastroenterology
• • Use of anti-psychotic drugs
• • Antibiotic use during the previous 12 months
• • Start of novel drug therapy
• • Contraindication for additional blood draws (e.g. hemoglobin \<10)