Hunger vs. post-covid: scientists from Luxembourg seek a breakthrough in the treatment of Long Covid

Researchers from the University of Luxembourg and the neuropsychiatric hospital in Ettelbrück (CHNP) have launched a pilot study that could be a game changer for millions of people with post-Covid syndrome. The FastCoV project is investigating whether controlled therapeutic fasting can alleviate the symptoms of Long Covid - chronic fatigue, pain and cognitive impairment that persist in 10 per cent of COVID-19 survivors for months and sometimes years.

The idea is based on the known anti-inflammatory properties of fasting, which have already shown efficacy in other chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. "Starvation reduces the caloric content of the diet and gives the body a 'respite', which can reduce inflammation," explains Dr Raquel Gómez Bravo of CHNP in an interview with RTL Radio.

The aim of the current phase is not to prove the efficacy of the method, but to test its viability for a subsequent large-scale clinical trial.

The pilot phase involves 20 volunteers suffering from persistent post-coital symptoms for at least three months, including severe fatigue, headaches and memory impairment. Some have been struggling with these symptoms for several years.

They follow a seven-day therapeutic fasting protocol developed by the Berlin-based Charité Clinic. For a week, the participants consume about 350 kilocalories a day - mostly in the form of diluted juices. At the same time, they monitor their health on a daily basis.

To objectively assess the results, the scientists collected blood, urine and stool samples from each participant four times over the course of a month - before and after fasting. This allows them to compare subjective feelings with biological markers of inflammation and immune activity.

To date, 12 people have already completed their participation, with a further eight starting the programme this week.

Some participants have already noted a reduction in fatigue after seven days of fasting. But as Dr Marta Sanchez Castro from the University of Luxembourg points out, these are only anecdotal observations so far. For definitive conclusions, we need objective data, which will be available in autumn 2025.

If the pilot study confirms that the technique is safe, effective and reproducible, the scientists plan to apply for funding for a larger one-year study with a larger sample and expanded patient monitoring.

Long Covid has no proven cure today. People who lose function due to persistent fatigue or cognitive fog often face mistrust and lack of medical support. If even a fraction of patients get relief from a simple and affordable approach like therapeutic fasting, it would be a significant step forward - especially given the magnitude of the problem.