New research conducted by Amsterdam UMC and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has unveiled the biological cause behind the ongoing fatigue experienced by individuals suffering from long COVID. Published in Nature Communications, the study indicates that mitochondria in the muscle cells of these patients produce less energy compared to those in healthy individuals.

The researchers conducted a study involving 25 long-COVID patients and 21 healthy participants. Both groups were asked to ride a stationary bicycle for a duration of fifteen minutes. The findings revealed that long COVID patients experienced a sustained deterioration of their symptoms.

Rob Wüst, Assistant Professor at the Department of Human Movement Sciences at the VU University, noted various abnormalities observed in the muscle tissue of the long COVID patients. In particular, the mitochondria in the muscle cells, which serve as the energy factories of the cell, exhibited impaired functioning and decreased energy production. As a result, the researchers have concluded that the persistent fatigue experienced by long COVID patients has a clear biological basis.

Long COVID, an encompassing term for a wide range of approximately 200 symptoms, remains elusive in terms of its cause. The condition affects an estimated 10% to 30% of individuals who have recovered from a coronavirus infection, with the risk slightly decreasing compared to the early stages of the pandemic.

This groundbreaking research contributes to a better understanding of long COVID, uncovering the biological mechanisms that can result in prolonged fatigue. The findings may open new avenues for targeted treatments and interventions to alleviate the debilitating symptoms experienced by long COVID patients. Continued research is crucial to unravel the full spectrum of this condition and provide appropriate care and support to those affected.