Nitrite Supplementation in Long COVID Patients

Potential benefits of a nitrate-rich juice supplement to improve skeletal muscle function and associated physical capacity will be studied in patients with Long COVID. Consenting patients with Long-COVID will be randomized to receive Beet-It nitrate beverage group versus a nitrate-depleted placebo beverage. Both groups will receive physical therapy at the long COVID Clinic at VAPHS with therapeutic goals to improve strength, balance, inspiratory, and aerobic capabilities. Physical therapy will last for 2 weeks and include 2 or 3 sessions with a physical therapist a week depending on each individual's exercise tolerance. These sessions can take place on-site or at home (or a hybrid combination) All participants will undergo functional assessments and tissue assessments before and after the 14-day study intervention.