Actively Recruiting
Does Taurine Supplementation Improve Vascular Function and Orthostatic Responses in Long COVID?
Led by York University · Updated on 2026-06-05
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
Y
York University
Lead Sponsor
C
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate whether 12 weeks of taurine supplementation can improve vascular function and cardiovascular responses to upright posture in people with Long COVID. Long COVID is defined as new or continuing symptoms lasting at least two months, starting three months after COVID-19 infection, and it is linked to vascular dysfunction and taurine deficiency. The study will focus on measuring vascular health and orthostatic tolerance, which relates to symptoms like lightheadedness when standing. Participants will either be taking taurine supplements for 12 weeks or not taking them, forming two groups for comparison. Vascular function will be assessed using devices like EndoPAT and Duplex ultrasound, while orthostatic responses will be measured during a 5-minute head-up tilt test. Heart rate variability will be recorded both in the lab and at home weekly using a heart rate monitor. The study involves two visits at baseline and after 12 weeks, with at-home monitoring in between. During the study, participants will undergo detailed assessments including blood flow, heart rate, blood pressure, and brain blood flow measurements. Questionnaires will track symptoms and autonomic function. Researchers will analyze changes before and after 12 weeks to understand the effects of taurine supplementation. The total participation time includes two one-hour lab visits and weekly home data collection over 12 weeks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Does Taurine Supplementation Improve Vascular Function and Orthostatic Responses in Long COVID?
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants will have had symptoms of Long COVID post-infection for at least 3 months
- Aged 18 to 65 years
- Ability to undergo tilt table testing for 5 minutes
- Ability to travel to York University for study visits
- Ability to speak English or provide a translator
You will not qualify if you...
- Inability to undergo tilt table testing for 5 minutes
- Inability to transport selves to York University from their homes
- Inability to speak English, or provide a translator
- Blood clotting disorders
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants are observed to compare those who are taking 12 weeks of taurine supplementation with those who are not taking taurine.
2 visits (baseline and after 12 weeks, in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
York University
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M3J1P3
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
H
Heather Edgell, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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