Skip to content
The COVID-19 epidemic changed our society in a myriad of ways, many of which couldn’t have been predicted.
Almost 4 years after the pandemic, health communities still routinely discuss COVID-19, including something called Post-COVID-19 condition or ‘long covid’ as its more popular name. Post-COVID-19 condition is defined as symptoms that persisted for 12 weeks (3 months) or more following acute COVID-19, and can involve multiple systems and organs. The term ‘long covid’ was first used as a name to describe some of these symptoms but members of the public experiencing them, and was then adopted by the medical community once data was able to be collated on the prevalence of the symptoms and the condition.
It’s difficult to give exact statistics on how many people are affected by long covid, owing to the variance in symptoms, just how many factors there are to take into account (age, sex, health status, definite COVID-19 infection…), which is why data collected suggests that is could be as low as 2% or as high at 45% of people that experience post-COVID symptoms. A number being floated around in a lot of texts on the subject, is roughly 10% of those who have contracted COVID-19 could display symptoms after the 3-month mark.
Symptoms of long covid can include fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain, and respiratory issues, and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, to name a few. The underlying mechanisms are still being studied, but it’s believed that inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation play crucial roles in these prolonged symptoms.
The Role of Polyphenols and Antioxidants
Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found in a variety of plants, such as fruits, vegetables, tea, and dark chocolate. They are known for their health-boosting properties, including being antioxidants -neutralizers of free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and contribute to inflammation. There is already enough research on polyphenols to allow even a quick google search to retrieve data on how these plant compounds can positively impact multiple systems of health, including cardiovascular health, diabetes management, and brain function.
Polyphenols are also being talked about within the scientific community with regards to long Covid and the management of this condition. Polyphenols come into the conversation because of their potential ability to decrease inflammation and mitigate oxidative stress, as well as some other complex chemical interactions that promote immune health. By impacting inflammation and supporting immune function, these compounds can potentially help reduce some of the debilitating symptoms. For instance, research on flavonoids, a subclass of polyphenols found in berries and citrus fruits, has explored the compound's ability to enhance cardiovascular health and improve cognitive function, both of which can be beneficial for long Covid patients.
As mentioned, many polyphenols have antioxidant actions. Antioxidants is the name given to nutrients that play a crucial role in combatting oxidative stress in the body. A broad group of nutrients have antioxidant properties, including some well known vitamins and minerals like vitamins C and E, selenium, and beta-carotene. Antioxidant scavenge free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage, internal and externally, and thereby supporting the body’s natural cellular, immune, and wider healing processes.
Studies have indicated that individuals with long Covid may have lower levels of certain antioxidants, suggesting that supplementation or increased intake of antioxidant-rich foods could be beneficial. Foods such as nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and colorful fruits can provide a robust source of these essential nutrients, thereby supporting overall health and recovery.
A Holistic Approach
Polyphenols and other antioxidant nutrients might offer promising support for those dealing with long Covid, as part of a more holistic approach to recovery. By including polyphenol-rich foods and supplements into the diet, some symptoms could be reduced, allowing for a more general feeling of comfort for those with post-viral symptoms. For example, one of the most widely reported symptoms of COVID or other post-viral conditions is fatigue. Promoting cardiovascular health, which includes blood health and the health of red blood cells, helps with oxygen transport to cells. But polyphenols and antioxidants don’t work alone, and making sure that supplemented nutrients are received in a system that already has its base needs met, is really important. This includes meeting daily needs of macronutrients -protein, good fats (including omega 3), and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D and Iron.
As we continue to learn more about long Covid, the role of nutrient therapies in supporting recovery cannot be overlooked. By incorporating powerful compounds into the diet, we may be able to mitigate some of the effects of post-viral infection-related stress and inflammation, and allow for a better quality of life for those with symptoms.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your health regimen, especially if you are managing long Covid symptoms.
Resources:
Examining the role of micronutrients on improving long COVID sleep‐related symptoms - PMC
Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Polyphenols Derived from the European Olive Tree,
Olea europaea L., in Long COVID and Other Conditions Involving Cognitive Impairment - PMC
True prevalence of long-COVID in a nationwide, population cohort study | Nature Communications
