Fasting to Treat Long Covid in Adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the feasibility of a 7-day ambulatory fasting intervention using the Buchinger-Wilhelmi method for adults suffering from long COVID. The study aims to assess how fasting may modulate immune responses and improve health outcomes in patients experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection. By focusing on chronic inflammation associated with long COVID, the research seeks to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of caloric restriction on symptom relief and overall well-being.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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)

Where it's running

• Rehaklinik CHNP
  Ettelbruck, Luxembourg Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Raquel Gomez Bravo, PhD — Rehaklinik du Centre Hospitalier Neuro-Psychiatrique (CHNP), UL
• Study coordinator: Marta Sanchez, PhD
• Email: marta.sanchez@uni.lu
• Phone: +3524666446555

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.