Abstract: Persistent fatigue is one of the symptoms that can last weeks or months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection.
There is scientific evidence that the flavonoids can modulate the molecular pathways involved in the development of mitochondrial myopathy. To determine whether an epicatechin-enriched supplement (EC) can improve plasma markers of inflammation and fatigue in long COVID-19 patients, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.
The study included 46 subjects (mean age 52 years) allocated into EC or placebo, and were instructed to consume 2 capsules /day for up to 90 days. A comprehensive set of endpoints were assessed, which included mean change in plasma inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers, hand strength, fatigue scale, and quality of life (QoL). The results suggested an EC-induced significant improvement in almost all endpoints as compared with the placebo.
The results open a new venue in the treatment of this elusive illness after COVID-19