Fasting to Treat Long Covid in Adults
Pilot Study on the Feasibility of an RCT: Evaluating Periodic Fasting as a Treatment Strategy for Long Covid in Adults
This study is testing if a week of fasting can help adults with long COVID feel better by reducing inflammation and improving their health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Luxembourg Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ettelbruck) |
| Trial ID | NCT06522750 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-64 who have been diagnosed with long COVID syndrome and have a normal body mass index.
Not a fit: Patients with severe internal diseases, current eating disorders, or those who are underweight may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel dietary approach to alleviate long COVID symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While dietary interventions like fasting have shown promise in other conditions, this specific approach for long COVID is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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)
Where this trial is running
Ettelbruck
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.