Experts have made a breakthrough in understanding the cause of long Covid, linking it to low iron levels following an infection. With an estimated 1.9 million people in the UK experiencing symptoms of long Covid, this discovery could provide potential ways to prevent or treat the condition. The study, led by Cambridge University, recruited individuals who had tested positive for the virus and found that ongoing inflammation and low iron levels in the blood could be seen as early as two weeks after infection in those who later reported long Covid symptoms. Regardless of age, sex, or infection severity, problems with iron levels were detectable in the long Covid group. Dr. Aimee Hanson, one of the researchers, explained that iron levels and the body’s ability to regulate iron were disrupted during SARS-CoV-2 infection and took a long time to recover, particularly in those with long Covid. The body’s response to infection involves removing iron from the bloodstream to protect against potentially lethal bacteria. However, if this process continues for an extended period, it can lead to less iron for red blood cells, affecting oxygen transport and energy production. This may explain common long Covid symptoms such as fatigue and exercise intolerance. The study suggests that controlling inflammation early on or finding a way to remobilize iron could help prevent or reduce the impact of long Covid. Iron supplementation may be an option, but it is important to address the issue of iron being trapped in the wrong place rather than a lack of iron in the body. Further research is needed to explore these potential treatments.
