Orthomolecular strategies for chronic fatigue and long COVID

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of long COVID – according to the RKI, up to 41% of adults suffer from long-term health consequences after contracting COVID-19, with persistent fatigue in particular being reported very frequently.

But even without a viral infection, many people are familiar with the feeling of constant lack of energy and drive, for example in the context of burnout or chronic stress. This is where orthomolecular medicine comes in: It aims to provide your body with an optimal supply of micronutrients and vital substances in order to regain energy and quality of life.

In this article you will learn how orthomolecular strategies – from precise laboratory diagnostics to infusion therapy and holistic nutritional advice – can help you with chronic fatigue and Long COVID.

Chronic fatigue and long COVID – when the body is running on fumes

We all feel tired from time to time. But chronic fatigue syndrome goes far beyond normal tiredness: even after getting enough sleep, you feel “drained” and even small everyday tasks become an insurmountable hurdle. Long COVID is often accompanied by additional symptoms: Breathing problems, poor concentration (“brain fog”), muscle pain and a generally weak immune system . This post-infectious fatigue is not a new phenomenon – we have already experienced persistent fatigue after other viral infections such as mononucleosis (EBV). But what makes Long COVID and similar conditions such as burnout so stressful?

Medical experts suspect several causes. On the one hand, persistent inflammatory reactions after the acute infection may play a role. Your immune system continues to run at full speed, so to speak, which is exhausting in the long term. Secondly, changes in the metabolism and hormone balance can be observed: cells struggle to obtain sufficient energy from nutrients. Last but not least, the focus is on the health of the mitochondria – the “power plants” of your cells. There is growing evidence that Long COVID is in part a mitochondriopathy: damaged mitochondria can produce less ATP (energy), which leads directly to energy deficiency and fatigue . Interestingly, these factors are similar to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and also to what is seen in burnout patients (permanently increased stress levels). Chronic stress, in turn, lowers cortisol levels and weakens resistance to stress – you feel more tired, your circulation goes crazy and fatigue is further exacerbated.

Orthodox medicine often finds it difficult to offer quick solutions for these complex conditions. A holistic approach can help here: Looking at the entire body and its supply often reveals starting points. Many sufferers have micronutrient deficiencies – partly due to the infection itself (the body has used up its reserves), partly due to the stress afterwards (stress, inflammation and healing processes increase the need).

This is exactly where orthomolecular medicine comes in. Its basic idea: with the right selection of vital substances (vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, etc.) in optimal doses, biochemical processes can be supported, healing promoted and energy production boosted. In other words, the body is given exactly the molecules it needs to function properly – in sufficient quantity and quality.

Orthomolecular medicine: vital substances as the key to new energy

The term orthomolecular means “the right molecules”: it refers to the use of the body’s own natural substances (vitamins, minerals, nutrients) to maintain or restore health. Founder Linus Pauling assumed that many diseases are caused by an imbalance of vital substances and that high, therapeutic doses of these substances can compensate for deficits and thus improve health. Especially in the case of non-specific, diffuse complaints such as chronic fatigue, it is worth taking a look at your supply of vital substances.

Why are micronutrients so important? Vitamins and minerals control countless processes: They are cofactors for energy production in the mitochondria, strengthen the immune system, repair cells and regulate hormones and nerve functions. If certain micronutrients are lacking, these processes come to a standstill – fatigue, susceptibility to infections, concentration problems and mood swings can be the result. In the case of long COVID and after severe infections, the nutrient balance is often “emptied”.

A laboratory diagnosis of the micronutrient status is therefore useful to see where your body needs replenishment. Burnout and chronic stress also often reveal deficiencies, as the body consumes significantly more B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, zinc and selenium under constant stress – all of these substances are “used up” more quickly in stressful times and need to be increased to prevent deficiencies.

Holistic diagnostics at VenaZiel: 3D body analysis and laboratory diagnostics

Before starting nutrient therapy, a thorough assessment of your health is carried out at VenaZiel. Because the more precisely you know the causes of fatigue, the better you can treat it. Our state-of-the-art 3D body analysis (a computer-assisted 3D scan of your body) enables a comprehensive check-up: from body composition (muscle vs. fat percentage) to posture analysis and metabolic parameters, this scan provides valuable data on your general state of health.

Perhaps you are wondering what your body shape has to do with long COVID or fatigue? Quite simply, chronic fatigue is often accompanied by muscle loss and changes in metabolism. A 3D body analysis can make such changes visible and serves as an objective starting point to record progress in the course of therapy.

At the same time, we carry out extensive laboratory diagnostics. Here, we specifically examine blood values that are relevant to chronic fatigue: Vitamin levels (e.g. vitamin D, B12, folic acid), mineral and trace element status (such as iron/ferritin, magnesium, zinc, selenium), inflammation markers, thyroid levels, stress hormones (cortisol) and, if necessary, specific Long COVID markers (e.g. autoantibodies, if indicated). These precise laboratory diagnostics reveal possible micronutrient deficiencies and provide insights into your immune system and metabolism. It often turns out that the vital substances mentioned above are actually in the cellar. With these results, the team at VenaZiel can create a customized treatment plan that is tailored precisely to your needs.

If it turns out that other factors play a role – for example a latent viral persistence, an undetected organ dysfunction or hormonal imbalances – these are also taken into account in our holistic diagnostics. The aim is to obtain as holistic a picture of your health as possible. In this way, we ensure that we do not overlook anything that is contributing to your exhaustion.

Infusion therapy: high doses of vital substances directly into the system

Orthomolecular infusion therapy is a special service offered by VenaZiel. You will receive individually composed infusions with vital substances that your body urgently needs. Why infusions? The advantage of infusion therapy is its direct effect: the nutrients enter the bloodstream directly, bypassing the digestive tract. This means that much higher levels can be achieved in the body than would be possible with oral intake (tablets or capsules). For example, vitamin C is only absorbed to a limited extent via the intestine – infusions, on the other hand, can also be used to administer high doses of vitamin C, which has a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.

In cases of long COVID and chronic fatigue, we use infusions to provide rapid support. Many patients report that they notice a noticeable improvement in their energy levels after a corresponding vital substance infusion – the so-called “energy push”. This is also plausible: a cocktail of e.g. vitamin B complex, vitamin C, magnesium and trace elements can literally “bathe” the cells in nutrients so that deficiencies are immediately eliminated. We also avoid possible absorption problems: Some people with Long COVID have gastrointestinal problems or inflammation that make it difficult to absorb nutrients – infusions elegantly circumvent this problem.

Typical infusion mixtures at VenaZiel are compiled according to your laboratory results and symptoms. Examples:

• Immune system boost: High dose of vitamin C, zinc, selenium, plus B vitamins to strengthen the body’s defenses and intercept free radicals. 
• Energy infusion: B-complex (for energy metabolism), magnesium (against muscle weakness and stress), carnitine and coenzyme Q10 (for the mitochondria) – ideal for symptoms of fatigue. 
• Regeneration infusion: amino acids (e.g. arginine to promote blood circulation and taurine for cell protection), combined with cell-protecting vitamins and possibly glutathione (a powerful antioxidant) for detox support.

All infusions are monitored by a doctor and administered in our comfortable infusion area. You can sit and relax while your body receives the vital substances. The dosages are individually adjusted – we only administer what is necessary in the right amount. Thanks to prior laboratory diagnostics, we know whether, for example, you really have a severe vitamin D deficiency or whether certain values are already in the green range. In this way, we avoid overdosing and start where there are real deficiencies.

Individual micronutrient advice and nutrient therapy

Infusions are a strong initial boost – but in the long term it is important to keep your body well nourished. That’s why VenaZiel offers comprehensive orthomolecular micronutrient advice. After evaluating all findings, our experienced team – consisting of doctors, nutritionists** and orthomolecularly trained therapists* – will take time for you. Together we will discuss which vital substances can help you in the short, medium and long term.

To this end, we create an individual nutrition plan. This can include the following elements:

• Targeted supplementation: We recommend high-quality nutritional supplements that are precisely tailored to your needs. For example, this could mean: Vitamin D (if you have a deficiency), omega-3 fatty acids (to reduce inflammation), a B-complex supplement for your daily energy metabolism, magnesium in the evening to relax your muscles and promote sleep, etc.
  All recommendations are based on your laboratory values and scientific findings about Long COVID. For example, studies have shown that the administration of combination supplements of vitamin C, D, zinc, selenium, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, amino acids (such as L-arginine, L-carnitine) and antioxidants can significantly improve the fatigue and performance of long-COVID patients. Such findings are incorporated into our therapy concepts.  
• Nutritional advice: Orthomolecular doesn’t just mean “swallowing pills”. A diet rich in vital nutrients is at least as important. Our experts will help you to switch your diet to fresh, micronutrient-rich food that you can implement in everyday life and enjoy. A Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables, healthy fatty acids (olive oil, fish), nuts and wholegrains has proved particularly successful.
  This not only provides vitamins and minerals, but also has an anti-inflammatory effect. We will show you practical tips on how to get more antioxidants from your diet (keyword: “Eat the Rainbow” – a colorful selection of fruit and vegetables) and which foods are particularly good for fatigue (e.g. nuts as a source of magnesium and B vitamins, green leafy vegetables for folic acid, protein-rich foods for muscle building and immune function). A good diet creates the basis for nutritional supplements to have an optimal effect.  
• Lifestyle & regeneration: The holistic concept also includes looking at other areas of life. We are happy to advise you on moderate exercise – because measured physical activity can get the mitochondria going again. The right balance is important here: neither total rest nor excessive demands. Perhaps start with short walks and increase slowly. We also support you with stress management recommendations.
  Chronic stress can perpetuate exhaustion, so relaxation techniques (breathing exercises, meditation, gentle yoga) are a valuable addition. If you have problems sleeping, we will also advise you on this – sometimes vital substances such as magnesium or vitamin B6 in the evening can improve the quality of sleep, or natural helpers such as melatonin and valerian. We take a holistic view of you: body, mind and soul.

Mitochondrial medicine: optimizing energy production at cell level

We have already mentioned mitochondria – our cellular powerhouses – as a key factor. VenaZiel has special expertise in the field of mitochondrial medicine. This refers to therapies that specifically improve the function of the mitochondria. Why is this so important? If you suffer from chronic fatigue, it is very likely that your mitochondria are not working optimally. Studies of long-COVID patients and CFS patients often found lower levels of key mitochondrial nutrients such as coenzyme Q10 and NADH, as well as evidence of oxidative stress in the cells. A 12-week course of 200 mg Q10 plus 20 mg NADH led to a significant reduction in mental and physical fatigue and a better quality of life in CFS patients. We make use of such findings.

In practice, this means that we check whether you need mitochondrial micronutrients. These include in particular coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, B vitamins (especially niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2) and B12), magnesium, alpha lipoic acid and certain amino acids. These substances are involved in ATP production or protect the mitochondria from damage. If they are missing, the “cell motor” does not run smoothly. As part of orthomolecular therapy, we ensure that your mitochondria get everything they need. This can be done orally (high-dose mitochondrial preparations) or by infusion (e.g. Q10 or carnitine as an infusion, if appropriate).

We also take care to reduce oxidative and nitrosative stress – both of which put enormous strain on the mitochondria during long COVID. This is where antioxidants come into play: vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, alpha-lipoic acid and N-acetylcysteine (as a glutathione precursor) neutralize excess free radicals and nitrogen compounds that could otherwise damage the cellular power plants. Anti-inflammatory vital substances also support your mitochondria. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, reduce silent inflammation; vitamin D and curcumin (from turmeric) have a similar anti-inflammatory effect. By reducing inflammation, we create an environment in which your mitochondria can recover and provide energy more efficiently.

Another starting point of mitochondrial medicine at VenaZiel is to improve blood circulation and oxygen supply. Some long-COVID researchers suspect that microcirculatory disorders (tiny vascular problems) are one of the causes of fatigue. L-arginine and L-citrulline can help here – amino acids that stimulate the formation of nitric oxide (NO) and thus dilate the blood vessels. Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients for every cell and therefore also for the mitochondria. If appropriate, we therefore integrate such circulation-promoting vital substances into your therapy concept.

Gut health and microbiome analysis: The role of the gut in fatigue

Did you know that the condition of your gut has a major impact on your energy levels and immune system? In the context of Long COVID, it is becoming increasingly clear that a SARS-CoV-2 infection can also leave traces in the microbiome (the entirety of intestinal bacteria). Many Long COVID patients report digestive complaints, food intolerances or simply a “gut feeling” that is no longer right. The gut also carries an enormous burden of immune function – around 70% of the immune system is located in the gut. A stressed, inflamed intestinal system can therefore both promote fatigue and hinder the absorption of nutrients.

VenaZiel therefore offers microbiome analyses to take a close look at your intestinal environment. With a stool sample, we can determine which good bacteria are missing or whether harmful germs may be prevalent. We also look for indications of leaky gut (permeable intestinal barrier) or inflammatory markers in the intestine. These diagnostics provide starting points for targeted treatment of your digestive system.

The orthomolecular strategy in this area includes the use of probiotics and prebiotics as well as specific micronutrients for gut health. Studies suggest that certain lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria strains) and soluble fiber (such as inulin) can balance the microbiome. Our therapists therefore recommend suitable probiotics to rebuild your intestinal flora. At the same time, we support the intestinal mucosa with vital substances: Vitamins A, D, B2, B3 and biotin are essential for healthy mucous membranes – they help the intestinal mucosa to regenerate . Zinc and L-glutamine (an amino acid, the preferred food of intestinal mucosa cells) are also often used here to strengthen the intestinal barrier.

Through this combination – improving intestinal flora and nourishing the intestinal mucosa – we create an environment in the gastrointestinal tract that reduces inflammation and optimizes the absorption of nutrients. Many patients find that not only does their digestion improve, but that they feel more energy again as soon as their gut is healthy. No wonder: when food is properly utilized again and the immune system in the intestine is at rest, the energy gained is available to the rest of the body.

Your way back to new vitality – holistic care at VenaZiel

As you can see, all the pieces of the puzzle fit together at VenaZiel: state-of-the-art diagnostics (3D body analysis, laboratory and microbiome check) provide clarity about your state of health. Based on these results, we put together a customized orthomolecular therapy concept for you – from infusion therapy and supplements to nutritional recommendations. This holistic therapy aims to address all relevant aspects of your chronic fatigue.

By compensating for deficiencies, alleviating inflammation, strengthening the mitochondria and balancing the gut, we activate your body’s self-healing powers. Step by step, you will feel your energy returning, your resilience increasing and your mental symptoms (brain fog, mood) improving. The important thing is that we follow you closely. In regular progress checks (both in discussions and by means of follow-up laboratory tests or body analyses), we check the progress and adjust the therapy if necessary. After all, every person’s body reacts differently – what counts is your personal success.

Conclusion: Gaining new strength through orthomolecular medicine

You don’t have to put up with chronic exhaustion and long COVID. Take advantage of the opportunities offered by orthomolecular medicine to give your body exactly what it needs right now.

Micronutrients are like the fuel and lubricating oil for your body – when the tank is full again, the engine can run smoothly again.

Studies, experience and scientific findings show that an optimal supply of vital substances increases resilience, shortens recovery times and can significantly alleviate symptoms such as fatigue. Orthomolecular strategies unfold their full potential particularly in combination with a healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise, stress reduction).

One final thought: Your way out of exhaustion is not a sign of weakness, but of courage and personal responsibility. You take your health into your own hands – and we at VenaZiel will support you with all our expertise and innovative services. From initial laboratory diagnostics and individual infusion therapy to long-term micronutrient advice, we are at your side.

Don’t wait any longer for tiredness to disappear on its own. Take the first step towards new vitality! Contact us today at VenaZiel – your center for orthomolecular medicine and holistic therapy in Berlin.

Together we will develop your individual roadmap back to more energy, health and joie de vivre. Make your appointment now and let’s get to the root of your exhaustion together – for a life full of strength and well-being.