Scientists are looking into whether people who lost their sense of smell after Covid could be helped by taking vitamin A.
The 12-week ‘Apollo trial’ will treat patients who’ve experienced smell loss or an altered sense of smell with nasal drops containing the vitamin.
The University of East Anglia (UEA) said research from Germany had shown the potential benefit of the vitamin.
A team of experts from the university will now ‘explore how this treatment works to help repair tissues in the nose damaged by viruses’.
The researchers hope the study ‘could one day help improve the lives of millions around the world who suffer from smell loss, by returning their fifth sense’.
It comes after a study by an international group of smell experts advised against using steroids to treat smell loss and instead suggested ‘smell training’.
One of the researchers, Prof Carl Philpott, said there was ‘very little evidence’ steroids will help with smell loss and they have ‘potential side effects including fluid retention, high blood pressure, and problems with mood swings and behaviour’.
Instead, the scientists recommended those who have experienced smell loss sniff at least four different odours, twice daily for several months.
Prof Philpott said the method ‘aims to help recovery based on neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganise itself to compensate for a change or injury’.
Those interested in participating in the university’s vitamin A study are asked to seek a referral from their GP to the Smell and Taste Clinic at the James Paget Hospital in Norfolk’s Great Yarmouth.
The study, which is being funded by the National Institute for Health Research, will begin recruiting participants in December.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
from News – Metro https://ift.tt/2XUEbcQ
0 Comments