NCT07184398

Use of a Cysteine-rich Whey Protein Isolate in Post COVID-19 Cognitive Impairment

Completed NA Last updated 24 September 2025

What this trial tests

NA trial testing Intervention with Consolidated Cysteine (Immunocal) 20 g per day in COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 Infection) in 120 participants. Completed in 1 January 2025.

Timeline

1 July 2024

Primary endpoint
30 September 2024

1 January 2025

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	Universidad Libre seccional Cali
Phase	NA
Status	Completed
Study type	INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation	randomized
Design	parallel
Masking	single
Primary purpose	treatment
Enrollment	120
Start date	1 July 2024
Primary completion	30 September 2024
Estimated completion	1 January 2025
Sites	1 location across Colombia

Drugs / interventions tested

• Intervention with Consolidated Cysteine (Immunocal) 20 g per day
• Cognitive rehabilitation workshops

Conditions studied

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 Infection) — all drugs for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 Infection) →

Sponsor

Universidad Libre seccional Cali

Who can join

Adults 18 to 70, any sex, with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 Infection). Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

Abstract Background: Post-COVID-19 cognitive impairment (PCCI), characterized by deficits in attention, memory, and executive functioning, remains a major challenge among patients with long COVID. Oxidative stress is a key contributor to this condition. Cysteine-rich whey protein isolate (CRWPI), such as Immunocal®, enhances intracellular glutathione production and may offer neuroprotective benefits.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Immunocal® supplementation on cognitive function, particularly attention and memory, and functional performance in individuals with ICCP.

Methods: A randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted in Cali, Colombia, with 120 adults recovering from COVID-19 with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) immune® supplementation (CRWPI) (20 g/day), (2) neuropsychological rehabilitation, or (3) no intervention (control), for 12 weeks. Cognitive outcomes were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the NEUROPSI attention and memory test. Physical endurance was measured using the 30-second foot test (STST). Clinical symptoms evaluated through a medical assessment form, before and after the intervention, were also taken into account. Results: Both the Immunocal® and neurorehabilitation groups showed statistically significant improvements in all attention subdomains and memory types compared to the control. Immunocal® produced greater gains in divided attention and working memory, suggesting a specific advantage in cognitive domains sensitive to oxidative stress. STST performance was also significantly improved in the Immunocal® group. No significant improvements were seen in the control group.

Conclusion: Immunocal® supplementation significantly improves cognitive performance, comparable to structured neurorehabilitation, in individuals with ICCP. It also shows potential to improve physical endurance, clinical symptoms, and reduce fatigue. These findings support the integration of Immunocal® as a non-pharmacological intervention for cognitive dysfunction related to long COVID.

Publications & conference data

No peer-reviewed publications indexed yet for this trial. Completed trials usually publish results within 12-18 months.