24 September 2023 , 13:28
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In a breakthrough that could bring relief to many, scientists believe a popular exercise supplement may help combat the debilitating effects of Long Covid.
The over-the-counter amino acid creatine, widely used by fitness enthusiasts to enhance exercise performance and muscle growth, is now understood to offer potential benefits for those grappling with the pandemic's lingering effects. According to the researchers, participants who regularly took creatine reported a noticeable decrease in general fatigue within three months.
By the six-month mark, they experienced a significant reduction in symptoms such as loss of taste, breathing difficulties, body aches, headaches, and concentration issues. This groundbreaking trial was conducted by the University of Novi Sad in Serbia and its findings were published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition. The study involved 12 individuals suffering from long Covid.
Many long Covid patients are experiencing respiratory issues as well as fatigue, low mood, brain fog (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Half of them were given a placebo, while the other half received daily doses of 4g creatine supplements for six months. Follow-ups at three and six months revealed that those taking creatine had a substantial increase in levels in leg muscles and across the brain.
Dr Sergej Ostojic, one of the leading researchers, stated: "Creatine induced a significant reduction in general fatigue after three months of intake compared to baseline values, while the scores for reduced motivation worsened after six months in the placebo group."
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In a groundbreaking study, the first of its kind according to the authors, the efficacy and safety of supplemental creatine for fatigue, tissue bioenergetics, and patient-reported outcomes in patients suffering from post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome have been evaluated. The results are promising: creatine has been found to outperform placebo in improving brain and skeletal muscle creatine levels following medium-term intervention.
It also reduces several symptoms of post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome, including lung and body pain and poor concentration. Furthermore, creatine has shown no major side effects, leading researchers to recommend it as a safe and effective intervention to combat post-Covid fatigue syndrome.
A six-month course of creatine appears to improve tissue bioenergetics and alleviate clinical features of post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome, potentially due to its energy-replenishing and neuroprotective activity. Endorsing creatine could be crucial in tackling this widespread condition. However, the authors stress that additional studies are needed to confirm these findings across various post-Covid groups.
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