Bethan Science published an early view study on Sept 1st entitled ‘Effects of Viusid in Long COVID: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial' (Torres-Obando et el 2026) which covers effectiveness of a supplement, Viusid compared with placebo.
Summary (AI checked by MEA)
- The study reports that Viusid improved brain fog significantly compared with placebo. It also appears to improve fatigue, sleep, breathlessness, chest pain, cough, abdominal and muscle pain.
- The study was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in people with Long Covid.
- Initial results suggest Viusid may help multiple Long Covid symptoms. Limitations including a small sample size means further larger studies will be needed before any firm conclusions are made.
Abstract
Introduction: Long COVID syndrome (LCS) is characterized by persistent neurological, respiratory, and systemic symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, with limited effective treatments available. Viusid is an oral antioxidant and immunomodulatory formulation that may improve chronic inflammatory symptoms. This study evaluated the efficacy of Viusid in patients with LCS.'
Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of Viusid in adults with long COVID syndrome. The primary endpoint was the change in brain fog severity at Day 210. Secondary endpoints included changes in neurological, respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, and general symptoms measured using a 23-symptom clinical questionnaire.
Results: All participants completed the study. Viusid significantly improved the primary endpoint, brain fog, compared with placebo (MD −1.23; 95% CI −2.41 to −0.005; p < 0.001). Significant improvements favoring Viusid were also observed in anxious-depressive mood (p < 0.001), sleep dis-orders (p = 0.003), fatigue (p = 0.023), dyspnea (p = 0.018), chest pain (p = 0.002), cough (p = 0.004), abdominal pain (p = 0.009), and myalgia (p = 0.025). These effects remained consistent after adjusted analyses.
Discussion: The intervention showed potential improvement in long COVID symptoms; however, the small sample size and observational design limit conclusions, warranting further randomized con-trolled studies.
Conclusions: Viusid significantly improved multiple long COVID symptoms, particularly neurological and respiratory manifestations. These findings support its potential as a therapeutic option for long COVID and justify further confirmatory studies.
MEA Comment
Viusid is a commercial supplement that is claimed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Please note that while the results from this small clinical trial indicate that this supplement may have some beneficial effects in relation to cognitive dysfunction/brain fog and some other symptoms in Long Covid, we need see these results confirmed in larger trials carried out by other research groups before any conclusions can be drawn.
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
