Medical Researchers from Ohio Find That Vitamin K2 and D3 Can Help Provide Relief for Long COVID
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 16, 2025 2 hours, 59 minutes ago
Medical News: Long COVID, a condition persisting for months after recovering from a SARS-CoV-2 infection, has left many struggling with unexplained symptoms. Fatigue, brain fog, and inflammation are common complaints, and there are currently no FDA-approved treatments for this syndrome. Researchers from Case Western Reserve University and Ohio State University have joined forces to investigate whether vitamin K2 and D3 could offer relief to sufferers of this debilitating condition.
Medical Researchers from Ohio Find That Vitamin K2 and D3 Can Help Provide Relief for Long COVID
Exploring New Avenues in Treatment
Long COVID is thought to arise from unresolved inflammation, immune system dysfunction, and disrupted gut health. In the absence of approved treatments, this
Medical News report sheds light on the potential of vitamins K2 and D3 to address these underlying mechanisms. Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, these vitamins may provide a simple yet effective solution to mitigate long COVID symptoms and improve quality of life.
The Clinical Trial Setup
The researchers conducted a rigorous clinical trial at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. The study included 151 participants with long COVID symptoms persisting for at least three months. Randomly divided into two groups, 98 participants received daily supplements of 2000 IU of vitamin D3 and 240 µg of vitamin K2 for 24 weeks, while 53 others continued with standard care. The trial aimed to measure changes in symptoms, inflammation, and markers of gut health.
Key Findings of the Study
By the end of the study, participants who received the vitamin K2/D3 supplementation reported notable improvements:
-A 7.1% reduction in long COVID symptoms, while the control group saw a 7.2% increase.
-Reduction in inflammatory markers such as sTNF-RI and sCD163, signaling decreased systemic inflammation.
-Decreases in fungal translocation marker (1,3)-β-d-glucan and oxidized LDL, both linked to long COVID.
-Gut health improvement, shown by a significant drop in Zonulin levels, which are associated with intestinal permeability.
These findings suggest that vitamins K2 and D3 not only alleviate symptoms but also address the inflammation and gut dysfunction central to long COVID pathology.
Vitamins K2 and D3: A Closer Look
Vitamin D3 is renowned for its immune-boosting properties, enhancing the body's ability to fight infections. It regulates immune responses and promotes anti-inflammatory pathways. Vitamin K2 complements this by protecting tissues from inflammation-related damage and supporting vascular health. Together, they work synergistically to reduce inflammation, improve gut integrity, and enhance overall health.
Why Gut Health Matters
Th
e study highlights the gut-lung axis - a key player in long COVID. Researchers observed that gut permeability, marked by elevated Zonulin, and fungal translocation contribute to systemic inflammation. Improving gut health with vitamins K2 and D3 helps restore this barrier, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and triggering immune responses.
Implications and Next Steps
The results of this study mark a significant step toward addressing long COVID, a condition affecting millions globally. The authors advocate for further research, including larger trials and extended study durations, to confirm the benefits and establish long-term effects.
Study Limitations and Conclusion
While promising, the study acknowledges limitations, such as the absence of a placebo group and potential confounding factors like diet. Despite these, the findings present a compelling case for using vitamins K2 and D3 as a safe and accessible intervention for long COVID sufferers.
In conclusion, this trial reveals the potential of vitamins K2 and D3 to improve long COVID symptoms, reduce inflammation, and enhance gut health. With no current FDA-approved treatments, this simple supplement could serve as a global remedy for a pressing health challenge.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/2/304
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