Dietary Intervention to Mitigate Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

The main objective of this research is to evaluate the impact of the 'Whole-Diet Approach' through a 16-week randomized-controlled dietary intervention on reducing symptoms of PACS (Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection), specifically targeting fatigue and muscle weakness. The study will include 56 men and women aged 50 years or older, all diagnosed with PACS. These participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups: 1. Dietary Intervention Group: Participants in this group will benefit from a personalized dietary plan created by a skilled Registered Dietitian (RD). The dietary recommendations will align with the U.S. Healthy diet style as outlined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025. Weekly group sessions with the RD/Principal Investigator (PI) will facilitate the practical application of the personalized diet. The RD will also focus on promoting the intake of foods with high anti-inflammatory activities. 2. Attention Control Group: Participants in this group will attend educational sessions on general health topics, such as healthy aging (e.g., oral health, hearing loss, eyesight) and safety environment (e.g., gas leaks, fire, fall hazards). However, they will not receive any specific dietary information. Throughout the 16-week intervention period, all participants will be required to strictly adhere to their prescribed dietary plan and attend the designated sessions. The study's primary objectives are as follows: Aim 1: Evaluate the effect of the Whole-Diet Approach on the participants' Healthy Eating Index and fatigue levels, in comparison to the attention control group, among adults with PACS. Aim 2: Assess the impact of the dietary intervention on muscle mass, strength, and physical function in adults with PACS, and compare these outcomes with the attention control group. By addressing these key aims, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the Whole-Diet Approach as a potential intervention for alleviating symptoms related to PACS and enhancing overall well-being among older adults.