From the Guidelines
Curcumin, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), and Nattokinase may potentially help manage some long COVID symptoms, but evidence is preliminary and these supplements should not replace medical care. For those interested in trying these supplements, typical dosages are: curcumin (500-1000mg daily with black pepper extract for better absorption), NAC (600-1200mg daily), and Nattokinase (2000-4000 FU daily) 1. These supplements might work through different mechanisms - curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties that could help with persistent inflammation, NAC may support respiratory symptoms and act as an antioxidant, while Nattokinase might help address microclotting issues associated with long COVID. Some key points to consider when using these supplements include:
- Side effects are generally mild but can include digestive discomfort with curcumin, nausea or skin rash with NAC, and increased bleeding risk with Nattokinase (which should be avoided by those on blood thinners or before surgery) 1.
- It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting these supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications, as they may interact with prescription drugs and aren't regulated as strictly as pharmaceuticals.
- Long COVID is a complex condition with multiple potential causes, including immune dysregulation, microvascular blood clotting, and dysfunctional signalling in the brainstem and/or vagus nerve, and these supplements may only address certain aspects of the condition 1.
- Currently, there are no validated effective treatments for long COVID, and more research is needed to fully understand the condition and its treatment options 1.
From the Research
Potential Benefits of Curcumin, NAC, and Nattokinase for Long COVID
- Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help improve symptoms of long COVID, as inflammation is a key component of the disease 2.
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) has been proposed as a potential therapeutic agent for COVID-19 due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, which may help manage long COVID symptoms 3, 4.
- Nattokinase has been found to degrade the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which may help reduce the severity of long COVID symptoms, as the spike protein has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease 5, 6.
Mechanisms of Action
- Curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of long COVID, such as fatigue, brain fog, and muscle pain 2.
- NAC's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key components of long COVID, and may also help improve immune function 3, 4.
- Nattokinase's ability to degrade the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 may help reduce the severity of long COVID symptoms by preventing the spike protein from causing damage to the body's tissues and organs 5, 6.
Proposed Treatment Approach
- A base spike detoxification protocol composed of oral nattokinase, bromelain, and curcumin has been proposed as a potential treatment approach for long COVID, with the goal of aiding in the resolution of post-acute sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination 5.
- NAC may be a useful adjunctive therapy for long COVID, due to its potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and improve immune function 3, 4.