People who have suffered from COVID-19 say that one of the most common side effects of an infection is the feeling of constant fatigue and reduced body efficiency. Experts are already working on preparations that can help convalescents regain their form. One of them is 1-MNA.
We talk about what 1-MNA is and how it works with Michał Chudzik, MD, PhD, cardiologist, internist, lifestyle medicine specialist, as well as the creator and coordinator of the STOP-COVID program – coordinated cardiological care for patients after COVID disease – 19.
Doctor, what symptoms are most often complained of by people who have been infected with the coronavirus and who have managed to overcome the infection?
There are many such symptoms, incl. persistent loss of smell or taste, headaches or a persistent cough. But most often (it concerns about 70% of convalescents) patients recovering from SARS-CoV2 infection complain of persistent fatigue, extensive muscle pain and weakness – all these ailments can lead to the so-called chronic fatigue syndrome, which significantly reduces the body’s efficiency. Figuratively speaking: even a young patient after suffering from a coronavirus infection may feel a strong decline in form, and activities that have not been difficult for him so far, such as climbing stairs, running to a bus or playing sports, will suddenly become a problem for him. Remember that coronavirus infection is a serious disease of the respiratory system, it cannot be treated as a short-term ailment, because even when severe symptoms subside, other symptoms, such as the aforementioned feeling of constant fatigue or muscle pain, will be felt for a long time.
Is there anything you can do about it – give convalescents some supplements or recommend appropriate exercise?
To date, there is still no specific treatment program for patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Most of the research work is focused on the prevention and treatment of the acute phase of the disease. Only rehabilitation is considered a treatment improving respiratory function or exercise tolerance after COVID-19 disease. However, we decided to check the operation of the so-called 1-MNA, or 1-methylnicotinamide.
What is that?
1-Methylnicotinamide is an endogenous (i.e. produced inside the body) substance that is produced by the metabolism of nicotinic acid in the liver. This unusual molecule is a discovery resulting from several years of work carried out by scientists in many research centers around the world. It is a physiological substance of vitamin origin, also present in natural sources (including algae known for their health-promoting properties). It is formed in our body as a result of metabolic changes of vitamin B3, called niacin. We knew that niacin supports the proper functioning of the mucous membranes, protects our body against bacterial and virus attacks, and has anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties. Therefore, we decided to investigate whether 1-MNA supplementation could improve exercise tolerance and reduce fatigue in patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2.
How did you conduct this research?
We selected a group of patients who underwent COVID-19, who experienced constant fatigue from the infection and reported that their exercise capacity and performance had decreased significantly. All patients underwent, inter alia, the so-called 6-minute walk test (6MTW). It is a very simple test that allows you to assess the body’s efficiency. It consists in measuring the distance that the patient will cover in 6 minutes – the doctor cannot impose the patient’s pace of walking or take breaks during the march. Fatigue was also assessed in all patients using the so-called The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) – is a text with which patients can assess their well-being. After conducting both of these studies, we randomly divided the patients into two groups. One group took 1-MNA for a month, while the other group did not.
So what turned out?
The results were very promising. When, after a month, we repeated the previous studies in all patients, it turned out that people who took 1-MNA were able to cover a much longer distance within 6 minutes (on average by 47 meters), they also felt objectively less tired.
Does this mean that 1-MNA can help recover from COVID-19?
Various studies show that both chronic fatigue, muscle pain and reduced efficiency are symptoms of inflammation that continues in the body after a viral infection, and there are also problems with microcirculation. Meanwhile, 1-MNA has anti-inflammatory properties, it also acts as an anticoagulant and has a positive effect on the energy metabolism of muscles. Taking into account the wide range of action of this substance, it seems that 1-MNA is a good preparation for the treatment of patients with chronic fatigue after COVID-19.
Conclusions: taking 1-MNA reduces fatigue and improves the body’s efficiency in patients who have had COVID-19.
dr n.med. Michał Chudzik
Cardiologist, internist, specialist in lifestyle medicine. The creator and coordinator of the STOP-COVID program – coordinated cardiac care for patients after COVID-19 disease.
Sponsored article