A new research article evaluated the efficacy of oral oxaloacetate (OAA) in improving fatigue and cognitive function in adults with Long Covid
Vernon, SD, et al; Front. Neurosci., 18 July 2025
Summary
- What was tested? A supplement called oxaloacetate (OAA) was tested to see if it helps people with long COVID feel less fatigued and think more clearly.
- Who took part? 69 adults with long COVID; half took OAA, half took a placebo (dummy pill) for 6 weeks.
- Results:
- No big difference in overall fatigue levels between OAA and placebo.
- In terms of other symptoms, people taking OAA felt better earlier and had fewer symptoms by 3 weeks.
- In regards to Brain Fog, OAA improved thinking and memory speed more than placebo.
- Safety: It was safe and well tolerated, with only mild side effects.
- What it means: OAA might help with brain fog and some symptoms, much larger and longer studies are needed.
Extracts
Although the primary outcome of fatigue reduction measured by the CFQ did not reach statistical significance, the analyses of the secondary and exploratory outcomes provide evidence that OAA may offer clinically meaningful benefits for individuals with long COVID.
MEA Comment
Can oxaloacetate help to reduce symptoms in Long Covid? Possibly – according to results from a randomised clinical trial. But with the usual caveat of more research is required.
So this is not a recommendation from the MEA to start taking oxaloacetate.
Oxaloacetate is a chemical that is found in every cell of the body and plays an important role in energy production in the mitochondria. It is also claimed to reduce low level inflammation in the nervous system/neuroinflammation.
Oxaloacetate supplements are quite expensive to purchase and would not be available on the NHS for use in either Long Covid or ME/CFS.
Dr Charles Shepherd,
Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association,
Member of the 2018-2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS committee,
Member of the 2002 Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on ME/CFS
- The ME Association reported on a trial using OOA to improve fatigue in ME/CFS, back in 2024: Research: Randomised Controlled Trial of Oxaloacetate for Improving Fatigue in ME/CFS | 07.10.2024