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Long COVID: What bloodwork and vitamin/supplement recommendations?

Posted by bba3 @bba3, Jan 10, 2024

My daughter has debilitating fatigue as well as other symptoms (including but not limited to brain fog, cognitive issues, sudden onset nerve pain in feet, cough, shortness of breath). She's looking for non-western medical advice in addition to traditional. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated?

Two part question:
1) What blood tests do you recommend requesting for LC?
In addition to CBC, my thought was vitamin panel, ferritin bloodwork, CRP. Any others?
2) What supplements / herbs, etc. have been helpful?
All B vitamins, Vitamin D, Turmeric, Quercetin, NAC (not sure that that is, but read it in a posting), Magnesium, Zinc.

Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

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robinrm | @robinrm | Nov 9, 2025
In reply to @pattig09 "@lkirnbauer Doctors begin with your symptoms at the start of this journey and that leads to..." + (show)
Profile picture for pattig09 @pattig09

@lkirnbauer Doctors begin with your symptoms at the start of this journey and that leads to test options. Based on blood results the path can likely move into more blood draws and even to other tests, including imaging, which was the case for me. I've tried to capture some of the tests that people have posted in the 19 different groups in the Long Covid posts here on Mayo Clinic that eventually lead to reasons for the the lingering symptoms. It is a 'vast' landscape of tests. I spent 2 years in the mysterious unknown until the test for my 'T-Cells' was ordered. Below are some of the other reported tests from members in the Covid Long groups that lead to some answers and in some cases, real solutions. I've tried to capture some of the tests that people have posted in the 19 different groups in the Long Covid posts here on Mayo Clinic and it is a 'vast' landscape of experiences for patients. Please note, every body is unique and if you feel it's time to find a more 'investigative' doctor to help you on this journey, then do so.

These is a summary of tests I've captured from the Mayo Clinic posters for experiences they are having with testing for Long Covid:

1. SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Profile Test: CoV-2 Antibody Profile. Looking for Spike AB Dilution (normal range < 0.8 U/ml). (Note: some patients called this test D Timer. Test looks for micro-clotting and provides a 'numeric value' for bloods spike protein counts. Also, LabCorp can do this test.) This was often reported in the Mayo Clinic groups as a count from 17,000 to 25,000). The pathology of the spike protein is that it attaches to ACE 2 receptors and nicotinic receptors decreasing the ability to be released and metabolized. This causes overall inflammation throughout. Clotting cascade occurs leading to micro-clotting and hypoxic tissue causing cellular dysregulation. Anti-body response increases spike antibodies that also cause inflammation. Goal of therapy is to help release spike protein from cells, decrease overall inflammation and address micro-clotting with a layered treatment approach.
1a This may be same test as Item 1. above but it appeared to have a different name: Mast Cell Activation tests response to the spike protein, indicates the mast cells need to be under control before going after the spike proteins and micro clotting.
2. PAI-1 gene polymorphism which is a genotype test to see if body is having a hard time breaking down 'clots' in the blood vessels.
3. ANA Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances, like viruses and bacteria. But an antinuclear antibody attacks your healthy cells instead. It's called "antinuclear" because it targets the nucleus of the cells, which is in charge of sending signals that are needed for important cell functions.
4. Amyloid Fibrin blood clot testing: to determine id blood clots are in the vessels as they constrict oxygen levels.
5. Levels for vitamins: D2, B's such as B12, B6, folates
6. Immunity blood work up and study for Tcells and T cytotoxic cells, ratios and absolutes including CD 3, CD 8, CD 4, CD 16, CD56
7. Comprehensive blood tests (CBC panels)

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@pattig09 you have really done your research. It seems very confusing to me she comprehend all of this. Have you ever done the nicotine patches? If so, what were your results? It did you try SGB?

REPLY
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pattig09 | @pattig09 | Nov 9, 2025

robinrm I decided against the $1,000 SGB. The risk of having the whites of one or both eyes turn red was a major concern. This would not heal if it happened. Also, eyelid drooping and not having it come back were a negative factor. The doctor felt that since my taste and smell stopped in 2022 with my first Covid infection, it was more likely than not I may not benefit from the injections; at best it was only possible for 30% improvements. The nicotine patches: my first success story in this journey of recovery. It took me 2 rounds of 7mg patches, (each patch was cut in half, the tape on the sides was cut away and I used a tape that was safe for my skin type to place it directly under my chin). 5 days on for 10 hours, off at night and then a pause for 10 days, then a second 5 day cycle. My taste came back on the 6th day, which was round 2 and taste was totally restored during the 7th day on round 2. I never wore the patch after 9pm. I had no side effects.

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1 reply
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pattig09 | @pattig09 | Nov 10, 2025
In reply to @lkirnbauer "@pattig09 Thank you so very much for your detailed response. I have been to Northwestern Hospital’s..." + (show)
Profile picture for lkirnbauer @lkirnbauer

@pattig09 Thank you so very much for your detailed response. I have been to Northwestern Hospital’s Long Covid Clinic and not one single person there took any tests like this. The only thing they did do was give me a cognitive test and said that it wasn’t my brain…? I will be asking my doctor’s office to run these on me. Again, thanks for the thorough response! Blessings to you.

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@lkirnbauer Perhaps this will be helpful in your discussions with your doc. about labs, for nutrients l-arginine: CBS Sunday Morning show on 11/9, Bill Gates was interviewed about his funding for Washington University in St Louis on Alzheimer's (Gates is engaged to support finding solutions since his dad died of Alz.). In the past few days, I began reading WU of St Louis research involving Long Covid: https://stlcovidresearchhub.wustl.edu/l-arginine/ T-Cell blood labs basically identified that my auto-immune system was in overdrive, yet no other blood work indicated any 'infections'. L-Arginine as a supplement may be helpful in normalizing my TCells. I'll begin by requesting labs looking specifically at my level of L-Arginine since a body's auto-immune functions have been shown to depend on l-Arginine levels.

REPLY
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lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | Nov 10, 2025
In reply to @pattig09 "robinrm I decided against the $1,000 SGB. The risk of having the whites of one or..." + (show)
Profile picture for pattig09 @pattig09

robinrm I decided against the $1,000 SGB. The risk of having the whites of one or both eyes turn red was a major concern. This would not heal if it happened. Also, eyelid drooping and not having it come back were a negative factor. The doctor felt that since my taste and smell stopped in 2022 with my first Covid infection, it was more likely than not I may not benefit from the injections; at best it was only possible for 30% improvements. The nicotine patches: my first success story in this journey of recovery. It took me 2 rounds of 7mg patches, (each patch was cut in half, the tape on the sides was cut away and I used a tape that was safe for my skin type to place it directly under my chin). 5 days on for 10 hours, off at night and then a pause for 10 days, then a second 5 day cycle. My taste came back on the 6th day, which was round 2 and taste was totally restored during the 7th day on round 2. I never wore the patch after 9pm. I had no side effects.

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@pattig09 May I ask how many years you were without your taste and smell? I’m going on 3 years next month December (2022 when I had Covid). Was your Covid infection recent?

REPLY
1 reply
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pattig09 | @pattig09 | Nov 10, 2025
In reply to @lkirnbauer "@pattig09 May I ask how many years you were without your taste and smell? I’m going..." + (show)
Profile picture for lkirnbauer @lkirnbauer

@pattig09 May I ask how many years you were without your taste and smell? I’m going on 3 years next month December (2022 when I had Covid). Was your Covid infection recent?

Jump to this post

@lkirnbauer 2020 was my first Covid infection. Symptoms: hot skin and the inability to have clothes touch my skin, a rash covering my joints and loss of smell and taste. I recovered within 3 months. Then in 2023 I contracted Covid D. First symptom was tongue distress (burning and yellow coating) and loss of smell. 2 day I lost all taste. I spent 6 months in marathon doctor visits and referrals to determine why Covid test strips continued to show positive results for months. During this period of specialist treatments I was prescribed 3 totally separate fungus meds (without any labs to confirm this was needed), and, when that failed to treat my tongue coating I was given 3 rounds of different antibiotics (again without any labs performed). Throughout this mess of meds, the tongue continued to have thick coating and felt on fire 24 hrs a day. Without any improvements by the end of a year 2024, I began to have long streams of yellow ooze deposit in my Navage morning nose evacuation. ENTs (3 different referrals) focused on the swelling in my Sphenoid sinus found in CT scans. ENTs and even a 4th doctor who specialized in SBG injections remained mystified by and therefore didn't treat the tongue. The specialist in neck nerve bundle lidocaine injections said he likely could not bring back loss of smell and taste due to the length of time since I lost them. But he was very concerned about the coated tongue which seemed to make things worse. It wasn't until a random visit to my dermatologist in June 2025 who was treating what appeared to be an unrelated new skin problem called rosacea that my Covid journey to healing took a new perspective. My dermatologist was a Long Covid sufferer and without me talking about my condition she asked: Are you a LongHauler? She said she saw the signs so took a risk to ask me randomly. Sort of amazed at her question, I shared my history of Covid. She had taken the same journey. She recommended the Nicotine patch to bring back my taste and smell. That is what led to the return of both my taste and smell. As an added bonus, the laser treatment for the skin condition PLUS the month long use of the Nicotine patch which returned my taste and smell senses also appears to have stopped the rosacea. Since June 2025, I have been blessed with a NP that joined my fight on this long covid journey and all of its twists, turns and stumbles. This past summer my NP entered the picture because with all the meds for things I didn't have like fungi and 'bacteria' I developed a full on attack of my gastrointestinal tract. Nearly 1 1/2 yrs of various meds for fungi and anti-biotic led to C-Diff. While it took a gastroenterologist to resolve the C-Diff, my NP jumped back into the mission when it was cleared and began many specific blood labs mentioned here on Mayo Clinic Covid Long Haul groups. My NP was spot on when she ordered T-Cell labs to confirm my compromised auto-immunity. She is continuing on labs for vitamin level because the body is unable to produce the things that my cells need to be healthy, like Vitamin D2. After reading about Dr. Peterson's work on Long Haul Covid, this is my current view on my health: I'm come to believe, every symptom I've had points to the fact that I am allergic to the Covid spike protein. My body has never cleared the spike protein because the spike protein set up a 'nasty replications' factory in my sinus cavities, suppressing my sense of smell and taste, burning my tongue which irritated my taste buds and then trashed my gastro tract. This protein caused my auto-immunity systems to fail.

REPLY
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pattig09 | @pattig09 | Nov 17, 2025
In reply to @pattig09 "@lkirnbauer Doctors begin with your symptoms at the start of this journey and that leads to..." + (show)
Profile picture for pattig09 @pattig09

@lkirnbauer Doctors begin with your symptoms at the start of this journey and that leads to test options. Based on blood results the path can likely move into more blood draws and even to other tests, including imaging, which was the case for me. I've tried to capture some of the tests that people have posted in the 19 different groups in the Long Covid posts here on Mayo Clinic that eventually lead to reasons for the the lingering symptoms. It is a 'vast' landscape of tests. I spent 2 years in the mysterious unknown until the test for my 'T-Cells' was ordered. Below are some of the other reported tests from members in the Covid Long groups that lead to some answers and in some cases, real solutions. I've tried to capture some of the tests that people have posted in the 19 different groups in the Long Covid posts here on Mayo Clinic and it is a 'vast' landscape of experiences for patients. Please note, every body is unique and if you feel it's time to find a more 'investigative' doctor to help you on this journey, then do so.

These is a summary of tests I've captured from the Mayo Clinic posters for experiences they are having with testing for Long Covid:

1. SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Profile Test: CoV-2 Antibody Profile. Looking for Spike AB Dilution (normal range < 0.8 U/ml). (Note: some patients called this test D Timer. Test looks for micro-clotting and provides a 'numeric value' for bloods spike protein counts. Also, LabCorp can do this test.) This was often reported in the Mayo Clinic groups as a count from 17,000 to 25,000). The pathology of the spike protein is that it attaches to ACE 2 receptors and nicotinic receptors decreasing the ability to be released and metabolized. This causes overall inflammation throughout. Clotting cascade occurs leading to micro-clotting and hypoxic tissue causing cellular dysregulation. Anti-body response increases spike antibodies that also cause inflammation. Goal of therapy is to help release spike protein from cells, decrease overall inflammation and address micro-clotting with a layered treatment approach.
1a This may be same test as Item 1. above but it appeared to have a different name: Mast Cell Activation tests response to the spike protein, indicates the mast cells need to be under control before going after the spike proteins and micro clotting.
2. PAI-1 gene polymorphism which is a genotype test to see if body is having a hard time breaking down 'clots' in the blood vessels.
3. ANA Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances, like viruses and bacteria. But an antinuclear antibody attacks your healthy cells instead. It's called "antinuclear" because it targets the nucleus of the cells, which is in charge of sending signals that are needed for important cell functions.
4. Amyloid Fibrin blood clot testing: to determine id blood clots are in the vessels as they constrict oxygen levels.
5. Levels for vitamins: D2, B's such as B12, B6, folates
6. Immunity blood work up and study for Tcells and T cytotoxic cells, ratios and absolutes including CD 3, CD 8, CD 4, CD 16, CD56
7. Comprehensive blood tests (CBC panels)

Jump to this post

@pattig09 Update on testing for long covid for Mycotoxin testing lab details: Since I've had all the blood tests that Bruce Patterson would do at this stage, I opted to begin direct contact with labs that do mycotoxin support already using urine tests. My first lab reply came from this link: https://realtimelab.com/ I sent 3 labs, Texas, Kansas, Portland a summary of my Long Covid journey and prior testing/imaging. Texas replied and it was more than I expected. Qualifications: Dr. Hooper and Dr. Bolton founded RealTime Laboratories in 2005 after extensive research and studies into the harmful effects of mycotoxin poisoning on the human body. They offered me 3 options for the Mycotoxin kit:
1. Have my primary care provider go to the RealTime Lab and sign up to become a provider using them as the lab for mycotoxin testing; but, if my local physician did not wish to become a provider for mycotoxin lab work...
2. I could sign up directly and have the kit sent to my home, then send the sample back for lab work and they would mail be the final results in detail. Once I have the labs, I can then take details to my Primary or if they did not wish to be a supporter of this mycotoxin work...
3. RealTime Labs sent a temporary password so I can visit their web site and review local doctors, NPs, clinics, naturopathic healers, etc. anywhere in American that I would like to be supported by a medical professional already working with RealTime Labs so I could select a local expert in mycotoxin work. I have 5 within 25 miles of where I live.

REPLY
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brendairene | @brendairene | Jan 4 5:39pm
In reply to @pattig09 "@lkirnbauer Doctors begin with your symptoms at the start of this journey and that leads to..." + (show)
Profile picture for pattig09 @pattig09

@lkirnbauer Doctors begin with your symptoms at the start of this journey and that leads to test options. Based on blood results the path can likely move into more blood draws and even to other tests, including imaging, which was the case for me. I've tried to capture some of the tests that people have posted in the 19 different groups in the Long Covid posts here on Mayo Clinic that eventually lead to reasons for the the lingering symptoms. It is a 'vast' landscape of tests. I spent 2 years in the mysterious unknown until the test for my 'T-Cells' was ordered. Below are some of the other reported tests from members in the Covid Long groups that lead to some answers and in some cases, real solutions. I've tried to capture some of the tests that people have posted in the 19 different groups in the Long Covid posts here on Mayo Clinic and it is a 'vast' landscape of experiences for patients. Please note, every body is unique and if you feel it's time to find a more 'investigative' doctor to help you on this journey, then do so.

These is a summary of tests I've captured from the Mayo Clinic posters for experiences they are having with testing for Long Covid:

1. SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Profile Test: CoV-2 Antibody Profile. Looking for Spike AB Dilution (normal range < 0.8 U/ml). (Note: some patients called this test D Timer. Test looks for micro-clotting and provides a 'numeric value' for bloods spike protein counts. Also, LabCorp can do this test.) This was often reported in the Mayo Clinic groups as a count from 17,000 to 25,000). The pathology of the spike protein is that it attaches to ACE 2 receptors and nicotinic receptors decreasing the ability to be released and metabolized. This causes overall inflammation throughout. Clotting cascade occurs leading to micro-clotting and hypoxic tissue causing cellular dysregulation. Anti-body response increases spike antibodies that also cause inflammation. Goal of therapy is to help release spike protein from cells, decrease overall inflammation and address micro-clotting with a layered treatment approach.
1a This may be same test as Item 1. above but it appeared to have a different name: Mast Cell Activation tests response to the spike protein, indicates the mast cells need to be under control before going after the spike proteins and micro clotting.
2. PAI-1 gene polymorphism which is a genotype test to see if body is having a hard time breaking down 'clots' in the blood vessels.
3. ANA Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances, like viruses and bacteria. But an antinuclear antibody attacks your healthy cells instead. It's called "antinuclear" because it targets the nucleus of the cells, which is in charge of sending signals that are needed for important cell functions.
4. Amyloid Fibrin blood clot testing: to determine id blood clots are in the vessels as they constrict oxygen levels.
5. Levels for vitamins: D2, B's such as B12, B6, folates
6. Immunity blood work up and study for Tcells and T cytotoxic cells, ratios and absolutes including CD 3, CD 8, CD 4, CD 16, CD56
7. Comprehensive blood tests (CBC panels)

Jump to this post

@pattig09

Thank-you. So very helpful 💕

REPLY
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marcimarci1968 | @marcimarci1968 | Feb 27 5:25pm
In reply to @rmca "Excellent info! Can totally relate to your au natural approach! Doctors are still in left field…..." + (show)
Profile picture for rmca @rmca

Excellent info! Can totally relate to your au natural approach! Doctors are still in left field…
Here’s my take..
Unfortunately, too many doctors cannot even think of adding long hauler to their concerns regarding patients. I am a long hauler for 3 years now…and functioning as if cured…but not.! Had to take it upon myself to save my own life after seeing way too many doctors who were, frankly, useless. I am fully aware of their lack of knowledge as understanding of Covid and subsequent treatments develop, BUT the profiteering in long Covid treatment centers and encouragement regarding same by major medical institutions is blatant.

So, I’ve spent the last 3 years requesting testing to confirm that my symptoms weren’t (aren’t) going to kill me…, once able to resume exercising slowly building up to pre-covid modified routine, tolerating the horrible fatigue with determination not to completely atrophy, read any and all literature I could find on the internet, incorporating every supplement that showed any influence on mitigating symptoms ( now at 41 supplements…with my recent
( and final) Cleveland Clinic PCP annual visit, via her body language and haughtiness…unaccepting of my approach that is “working”). Covid fatigue, pins and needles in lower legs and bottom of feet remaining as primary symptoms. I take no medications. ALL of my bloodwork is within range. The doctors have very typically disregarded the printed research findings I have handed them the last three years, handing it back to me with a distrust and since “ all of my testing is “normal.”

I exercise everyday and have built back up to 10 and 15lb weights, treadmill speed walking, resistance bands. AND I have totally healthy eating habits for many years because of my dedicated exercising habits for many many years.

Punchline: I am a 76 year old female. ( Covid at 73) AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN PUBLIC WITHOUT A MASK SINCE COVID.
My next focus is on the very recent validation of mitochondria involvement in Covid fatigue. I will Google and gather as much info as possible in order to address possible tests and treatments…
Kudos for you for sharing important details.

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@rmca
It’s like you read my mind….. your history is the exact same as mine without the rebuilding yet….. I’m constantly so sick……right now with pneumonia…..but if I don’t stay rebuilding my body……I’ll die…. So I’m so glad I saw your post and I’m going to do stuff in my bed….my chair….. everywhere!!!! Thank you❤️

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1 reply
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rmca | @rmca | Feb 27 10:12pm
In reply to @marcimarci1968 "@rmca It’s like you read my mind….. your history is the exact same as mine without..." + (show)
Profile picture for marcimarci1968 @marcimarci1968

@rmca
It’s like you read my mind….. your history is the exact same as mine without the rebuilding yet….. I’m constantly so sick……right now with pneumonia…..but if I don’t stay rebuilding my body……I’ll die…. So I’m so glad I saw your post and I’m going to do stuff in my bed….my chair….. everywhere!!!! Thank you❤️

Jump to this post

@marcimarci1968
Stay strong in your determination…The power of the mind and believing in yourself that you can take these challenges on does not come in prescription bottles… It is self compassion and gratitude for another day that pushes you ahead of where you were yesterday…❤️Back at you..

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