Looking back at the lockdowns of 2020, it’s hard to believe that for many people Covid-19 has become just another seasonal virus. But if you’re one of the millions living with Long Covid symptoms, you might feel like the pandemic never really ended. Months, and sometimes years, after the initial infection, around 2 million people in the UK are still living with debilitating side effects from Covid, that continue to impact their health, work and quality of life.
Every new infection still carries a risk of developing Long Covid symptoms, which could leave you struggling with things like persistent fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain and breathlessness long after you’ve recovered from the virus.
Like many other chronic post-viral illnesses, there is currently no cure for Long Covid. But on the positive side, there is a lot of ongoing research into the biological changes that occur after infection and how nutrition, lifestyle and supplements may help support recovery.
Supplements can’t eliminate Long Covid, but the right support could help target your symptoms by helping your body produce energy more efficiently, supporting normal immune function, and more – making a meaningful difference to how you feel day to day.
​What are the most common long covid symptoms?
Long Covid is generally defined as symptoms that continue for more than 12 weeks after a Covid infection and can’t be explained by another condition. The most commonly reported Long Covid symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue or exhaustion (the top symptom, affecting around 72% of people with Long Covid according to the ONS) ​
- Brain fog and poor concentration
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Poor sleep
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Loss or alteration of taste and smell
- Digestive problems
Obviously not everyone experiences all these things, but living with even just a few symptoms can be life changing for some people. Sometimes leaving them feeling so unwell they are unable to work. Some research even shows that Long Covid has contributed to increased economic inactivity in the UK, with many people reducing their working hours or leaving employment altogether because of ongoing symptoms.
​Why taking the right supplements and vitamins for long covid symptoms could help:
Research into Long Covid shows that ongoing inflammation, increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction (where cells struggle to produce energy efficiently) are some of the main contributors to long covid symptoms. If that wasn’t enough for your body to cope with, the infection can also trigger immune system issues for many months afterwards too.
The good news is that there are supplements you can take to target and help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and support mitochondria and your immune system. Hoorah! The bad news? Studies also show Long Covid can disrupt your gut microbiome, with some people experiencing digestive symptoms and poor nutrient absorption long after the initial infection.
This is one reason to choose patches rather than an oral supplement, if you want to try vitamins for long covid symptoms. Our handy patches deliver nutrients via your skin and completely bypass the digestive system, ideal if you want to up your intake of certain nutrients but your gut isn’t playing ball.
Here are our top 6 supplements and the long covid symptoms they could help with:
​1. CoQ10 for fatigue and low energy
One of the most common Long Covid symptoms is fatigue that won’t go away, even after a good night’s sleep. Researchers believe this is because covid can affect your mitochondria, the tiny ‘power stations’ inside your cells that produce energy. When these aren’t working as efficiently as they should, it’s no surprise you can feel completely drained.
If you’re tired of feeling exhausted, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) could be worth trying. This naturally occurring compound plays a crucial role in helping your cells produce energy and also acts as an antioxidant, protecting them from oxidative stress. Supporting two of the key processes thought to be involved in Long Covid-related fatigue.
If you’d like to see whether CoQ10 could make a difference for you, our easy-to-use CoQ10 Patch delivers a steady supply over the eight hours you wear the patch, even better – patches completely bypass your gut, so all the good stuff has a better chance of making it to where you need it most.
2. Magnesium for muscle pain, sleep and energy
Many people living with Long Covid struggle with things like muscle aches, cramps, poor sleep and fatigue. If this sounds familar, you might want to add magnesium to your list of helpful supplements for long covid symptoms.
Magnesium is involved in more than 300 processes in the body, including energy production, muscle function and the regulation of the nervous system. And it’s also well known for supporting relaxation and sound sleep – something many people with Long Covid find difficult.
Research also suggests Covid-19 may disrupt magnesium balance in the body, and maintaining healthy magnesium levels could play a role in supporting recovery.
Our Tri Magnesium Complex Patch combines three of the most bioavailable forms of magnesium; magnesium glycinate, magnesium malate and magnesium threonate, plus L-theanine and ashwagandha. Together, they can help support muscle function, energy production, relaxation and restful sleep. Targeting some of the most troublesome long covid side effects in one go – hurrah!
3. Vitamin B12 for common long covid symptoms brain fog and tiredness
Brain fog can be one of the most frustrating Long Covid symptoms, making it difficult to concentrate, remember things and think clearly. If this is a major concern for you, try taking Vitamin B12. B vitamins play an essential role in normal nervous system function, energy metabolism, psychological function and the production of healthy red blood cells. So if you’re feeling mentally and physically drained, it’s definitely worth adding to your supplement shopping list.
Especially considering that a recent study suggested that taking vitamin B12 could help to support neurological function and reduce fatigue, two areas that need extra attention in many long covid sufferers.
Our Vitamin B12 Plus Patch is a super simple way to ensure you’re getting a steady supply of vitamin B12. As the active ingredient is delivered over 8 hours via the skin, you won’t excrete as much of the active ingredient as often happens with oral B12 (for more on this read Why Patches are the best alternative to B12 Injections)
4. Vitamin D for immune support
Vitamin D has received huge scientific attention since the pandemic, and for good reason. As well as supporting healthy bones, vitamin D plays a vital role in normal immune function and helps regulate your body’s inflammatory response. Research suggests that maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may improve recovery after Covid-19, while vitamin D deficiency appears to be common in people living with Long Covid.
While vitamin D isn’t a treatment for Long Covid, making sure you’re getting enough is an important way to support your immune system and overall health. If you want to increase your daily D levels, our Vitamin D3 + K2 Patch is an easy effort-free way to top up.
5. Vitamin C and Zinc for immune defence
Vitamin C and zinc are both well known for boosting your immune system and ideal for offering extra support after an initial Covid infection has passed. As well as playing an important role in normal immune function, they can also help to protect cells from oxidative stress, thought to be one of the main triggers of Long Covid symptoms.
If you’re looking for an easy way to give your immune system a helping hand, our Vitamin C + Zinc Patch combines two of the most important nutrients for immune health in one convenient patch. Find out more about the Vitamin C + Zinc Patch here.
6. Glutathione: Another essential supplement for long covid symptoms
Often called the body’s ‘master antioxidant’, glutathione helps protect your cells from oxidative stress and damage from free radicals. Researchers believe oxidative stress is a factor many Long Covid symptoms, particularly persistent fatigue and ongoing inflammation. Topping up with a supplement like our Glutathione Plus patch, could help boost your glutathione levels, pepping up your body’s defence against free radicals and providing support as you recover from Long Covid.
Want to find out more about this powerful antioxidant? This blog explains all the beneifts, plus how to improve your levels without the need for expensive glutathione injections: 5 Natural Ways to Boost Your Glutathione Levels.
