Antioxidant Supplements for Long COVID-19

Overseen By Jeein Kim

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Sponsor: University of California, Irvine

Disqualifiers: Severe sulfa sensitivity, Alpha gal allergy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether certain antioxidant supplements can alleviate long COVID symptoms. Participants will take combinations of NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), and liposomal glutathione (GSH), with or without a multivitamin and magnesium. The study aims to determine if these supplements can ease physical and mental health issues caused by long COVID. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID and continue to experience mild to severe symptoms might be suitable for this trial. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how these supplements work in people, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking insights.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that the treatments under study—Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), liposomal glutathione (GSH), and NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)—have generally been safe in past studies.

For Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), research suggests it can lower certain health risks and reduce the chance of death compared to a placebo. However, it may not improve all symptoms, such as the sense of smell after COVID-19.

Liposomal glutathione (GSH) has been studied for its potential to help with COVID-19 symptoms. Some research indicates it might help manage the body's immune response, though detailed safety information remains less clear.

NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) may help improve some long-term symptoms of COVID-19. Various studies have used it, and it is considered a safe supplement.

Since this trial is in an early phase, the main focus is on safety. Based on past research, these treatments are generally well-tolerated. Participants can feel reassured that previous studies have not shown major safety concerns for these treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about these antioxidant supplements for Long COVID-19 because they use a unique combination of active ingredients that target oxidative stress, a key factor in the condition's prolonged symptoms. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), liposomal glutathione (GSH), and NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) work together to enhance the body's natural antioxidant defenses, potentially reducing inflammation and improving energy levels. Unlike standard treatments for Long COVID, which often focus on symptom management, this approach directly addresses the underlying oxidative damage. This innovative mechanism of action could offer a more comprehensive and targeted relief for patients struggling with lingering effects of the virus.

What evidence suggests that these antioxidant supplements could be effective for long COVID-19?

Research suggests that the treatments studied in this trial for long COVID symptoms have several promising aspects. Participants may receive Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), which some studies indicate might help reduce fatigue, a common symptom of long COVID. Another treatment option is Glutathione (GSH), which could assist in fighting the virus and reducing inflammation, potentially benefiting those with long-term COVID effects. NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), also under study, has shown potential in easing long COVID symptoms by acting as an antioxidant that helps protect and repair cells. While these treatments appear promising, their full effectiveness for long COVID is not yet confirmed. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing mild to severe long-haul symptoms. They must not have allergies or adverse reactions to NAC, ALA, or GSH, no meat product/gelatin allergies (alpha gal allergy), and no history of severe sulfa sensitivity.

Inclusion Criteria

I tested positive for COVID and have symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Exclusion Criteria

You have had a bad reaction to NAC, alpha lipoic acid, or GSH in the past.

You are allergic to meat products or gelatin.

You have had a severe reaction to sulfa drugs in the past, such as anaphylaxis or Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either a combination of NAC, Alamax CR, and liposomal GSH or the same supplements with a multivitamin and magnesium for 28 days

4 weeks

Daily administration

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in symptoms and quality of life post-treatment

4 months

Evaluations at 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, and 4 months post-therapy

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Alpha lipoic acid (ALA)
• Liposomal glutathione (GSH)
• NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)

Trial Overview The study tests if glutathione combined with NAC and ALA can improve long COVID symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive these supplements with or without a multivitamin and magnesium, while their health status is monitored through questions and blood samples.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: No Multivitamin and Magnesium Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects randomized into Group A will take the following amount for 28 days * 4 capsules of NAC (600mg each) once in the morning and once in the evening * 1 tablet (600mg) of Alamax CR once in the morning and once in the evening * 8 capsules (250 mg each) of liposomal GSH in the morning and in the evening

Group II: Multivitamin and Magnesium Active Control 1 Intervention

Subjects randomized into Group B will be taking a multivitamin and magnesium for 14 days. Afterwards, they will take the following for 14 days. * 4 capsules of NAC (600mg each) once in the morning and once in the evening * 1 tablet (600mg) of Alamax CR once in the morning and once in the evening * 8 capsules (250 mg each) of liposomal GSH in the morning and in the evening

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Irvine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

580

Recruited

4,943,000+

Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center

Collaborator

Trials

1

Published Research Related to This Trial

This systematic scoping review identified five studies exploring nutritional interventions for long COVID, highlighting the potential benefits of nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, and acetyl-l-carnitine, particularly in rehabilitation settings.

While initial reports on nutritional supplements showed positive outcomes, the studies were poorly designed, indicating a need for more rigorous clinical trials to establish effective dietary interventions for long COVID symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutritional Support During Long COVID: A Systematic Scoping Review. Bradbury, J., Wilkinson, S., Schloss, J.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11129797/

Effectiveness of Vitamin D and Alpha-Lipoic Acid in COVID ... The current literature suggests that VD can potentially reduce the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate, oxygen requirements, inflammatory markers, clinical symptoms, and ...

2. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.566609/full

A Randomized, Single-Blind, Group Sequential, Active ... In our study, ALA use is associated with lower SOFA score increase and lower 30-day all-cause mortality as compared with the placebo group.

3. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10238-022-00871-8

Coenzyme Q10 + alpha lipoic acid for chronic COVID ... This is the first study that tests the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid in chronic Covid syndrome.

4. bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-025-11131-x

Therapeutic options for the treatment of post-acute sequelae ... This review summarizes the latest evidence on potential medications and offers treatment options for clinicians to use in their actual practice.

5. outbreak.info outbreak.info/resources/pmid35994177

Coenzyme Q10 + alpha lipoic acid for chronic COVID ... Primary outcome was reduction in Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) in treatment group compared with control group. complete FSS response was reached most frequently ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8348748/

Mechanics Insights of Alpha-Lipoic Acid against ... Additionally, in some situations patients have developed cardiovascular complications after recovery from COVID-19; the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9395797/

Coenzyme Q10 + alpha lipoic acid for chronic COVID syndrome The combined use of these two therapeutic agents could provide a synergic effect in treatment of chronic covid syndrome, increasing energy ...

8. scielo.br scielo.br/j/bjorl/a/BTgv9qvSWYkfJQXKmCJz3nv/

Alpha-lipoic acid does not improve olfactory training results ... Alpha-lipoic acid is not better than olfactory training alone after COVID-19. We found a strongly difference in baseline and endline olfaction in both groups.