Taurine Supplementation in Long COVID

Purpose: The overall trial objectives are to evaluate the efficacy and safety of taurine supplementation in treating and managing prolonged symptoms related to LC, focusing on neurocognitive-associated symptoms and fatigue. Hypothesis: Increasing taurine levels in the body through treatment with taurine supplements will have a beneficial effect on Long COVID symptoms particularly neurocognitive-associated symptoms and fatigue. Justification: Previous studies have suggested a correlation between low plasma taurine levels and symptoms associated with Long COVID. Reduced plasma taurine levels have also been observed in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The decreasing trajectory of taurine levels observed in long COVID could partly explain the fatigue, as taurine plays multiple roles in skeletal muscle function, the central nervous system, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, in various clinical and preclinical studies, including antioxidant, anti-aging, cytoprotective, and cardioprotective effects, taurine has demonstrated various therapeutic activities. Taurine also has a role in neuromodulation and the treatment of other central nervous system disorders, including depression. These findings suggest that taurine may be important in addressing the persistent symptoms and adverse outcomes in LC patients. Given the robust association between taurine levels and symptoms and adverse outcomes of LC and the safety profile, there is a strong biological and clinical rationale for investigating taurine supplementation. There is a lack of effective treatments for LC, and exploring taurine supplementation as a novel therapeutic approach is justified and holds the potential to significantly improve the lives of affected individuals with an excellent safety profile. Objectives: The overall trial objectives are to evaluate the efficacy and safety of taurine supplementation in treating and managing prolonged symptoms related to LC, focusing on neurocognitive-associated symptoms and fatigue.