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Covid affects people in different ways. For some it’s fatal, while others experience no symptoms at all. Others struggle with autoimmune conditions and fatigue months after the infection has resolved — a condition known as long Covid. 

Now, there’s a new study for people over 50 who have felt tired for months after having Covid. 

The University of Maryland, with funding from the National Institute on Aging, aims “to study whether improving your diet toward a healthy U.S.-style diet, along with some nutritional supplements, can reduce persistent fatigue symptoms following Covid,” said Dr. Galya Bigman, PhD, the study’s principal investigator. 

Four months from home 

The study requires only two in-person visits to the University of Maryland’s clinic at 22 S. Greene Street in downtown Baltimore. Parking vouchers will be provided, and in some cases, Lyft services may be available. 

Once enrolled, participants will be randomly placed in either the special diet group or the healthy aging group. In both groups, participants will attend weekly 30- to 60-minute virtual meetings for four months to learn about diet or healthy aging. 

Participants in the diet group will also have eight one-on-one virtual meetings with a dietitian, who will build a personalized food plan and ensure they stay on track.  

After the study, both groups will have free access to the other program’s content and course materials. 

At the start and end of the four months, Dr. Bigman’s team will do a comprehensive screening of their nutritional status and needs by measuring participants’ body fat, muscle mass and function, and body calorie expenditure. Participants will also take surveys on their diet, sleep behaviors, level of fatigue and quality of life.  

 “We will also take some blood tests to see if there’s any relationship between certain nutritional biomarkers and fatigue to better understand the science behind how diet might alleviate long-COVID symptoms,” she added. 

To track their progress, participants will complete online surveys and track their food intake every other week. Compensation is provided at the end of the study. 

The study teaches people “simple, healthy eating principles in a friendly, engaging way,” Dr. Bigman said. “Participants will learn about healthy aging and acquire practical tools to support healthier eating in their daily lives.”  

For more information, visit longcovidiet.com, email gbigman@som.umaryland.edu or call (512) 576-3823.