![]() ![]() Lead author of the study Dr Aleix Sala-Vila commented, "having higher levels of these (fatty) acids in the blood, as a result of regularly including oily fish in the diet, increases life expectancy by almost five years”. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2021 found blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) & DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to be very good predictors of mortality risk 3. And we know that this can have negative effects on health. Sadly, modern Western diets tend to contain much more omega-6 than omega-3 in fact, the dietary ratio of omega-6:3 has increased from around 4:1 in our hunter-gatherer ancestors to around 20:1 today. Since persistent inflammation may be an underlying factor in Long COVID, it seems prudent to pay attention to the relative balance between these two. Omega-6 fats are more associated with ‘pro-inflammatory’ effects, whereas omega-3s tend to produce more ‘anti-inflammatory’ effects. We need both omega-6 and omega-3 fats in our diets. Additional zinc can be taken as a dietary supplement in highly bioavailable forms such as zinc picolinate, bisglycinate or citrate. Ensuring optimal daily intake of zinc is therefore key. Zinc is not stored in the body so regular dietary intake is needed, yet levels may typically be low in a Western diet. Zinc is involved in pretty much every aspect of health including immune function, antioxidant activity, inflammation balance, taste, smell and blood sugar balance and thus is a key nutrient to consider. Some of the lasting effects of Long COVID may in part be due to inflammation that persists beyond the acute infection, which often co-occurs with blood sugar dysregulation. 1Now, researchers at the University of East Anglia and James Paget University Hospital have launched The Apollo Trial to evaluate whether vitamin A could help people to regain their sense of smell after viral infections including COVID-19. In a 2017 study, German researchers found intranasal vitamin A at a dose of 10,000 IU per day for 2 months to be useful in the treatment of post-infectious olfactory loss. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin which supports many vital health functions and plays an important role in both immune function and the regeneration of olfactory receptor neurons. Top 5 nutrients & ingredients to consider: There is no one size fits all solution, there are however some key nutrients and ingredients that are worthy of consideration: What we do know for sure is that optimising nutrient intake is just as relevant with Long COVID as for any other health problem. ![]() As always however, there is a lot that can be done to support the bigger picture of health. There is still much we don’t know and ongoing research is needed to better understand the longer-term impacts of COVID-19. Optimising nutrient intake - “just as relevant for Long COVID as any other health problem”. It includes both ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 (from 4 – 12 weeks) and post-COVID-syndrome (12 weeks or more). Long COVID: In addition to the clinical case definitions, the term ‘Long COVID’ is commonly used to describe signs and symptoms that continue or develop after acute COVID-19. Post-COVID-19 syndrome may be considered before 12 weeks while the possibility of an alternative underlying disease is also being assessed. It usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which can fluctuate and change over time and can affect any system in the body. Post COVID-19 syndrome: Signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID-19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. Ongoing symptomatic COVID-19: Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 from 4 weeks up to 12 weeks. More than 50 different potential long term effects have been identified, with the most commonly reported including breathlessness, headaches, cough, fatigue (even on minimal exertion), loss of taste and smell, generalised muscle and joint pains, cognitive impairment or ‘brain fog’, sleep disturbances and mood alterations.Īcute COVID-19: Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for up to 4 weeks. In addition to minimising and managing acute infection, Long COVID or Post-COVID-19 syndrome has become an important focus. As the pandemic has progressed however, it has become increasingly apparent that there is significant potential for longer-lasting effects and it is now recognised that high numbers of people are experiencing health effects lasting well beyond the initial period of acute illness. Back then, attention was primarily focused on minimising and managing acute infection. It’s nearly 2 years since the UK entered the first national lockdown due to SARS-CoV-2.
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