Lactoferrin for COVID-19-Induced Taste or Smell Abnormality

Common side effects of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) include disruptions in taste and smell function, which may persist for prolonged periods of time following recovery and resolution of COVID-19 infection. These disruptions not only reduce the hedonic pleasure derived from eating, but may also be detrimental to quality of life and could pose additional health risks (malnutrition) among patients with chronic illness or those enduring long-term complications from their previous COVID-19 infection. Previous studies conducted among patients with cancer experiencing taste and smell abnormalities have indicated improvement in taste and smell function following daily lactoferrin supplementation. Lactoferrin is a natural transferrin protein that scavenges and chelates iron byproducts produced as a function of lipid oxidation in the oral cavity following inflammation, infection, or toxicity of chemosensory tissues. The purpose of this pilot investigation is to assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of lactoferrin supplementation (750mg per day for 30 days) for the treatment of taste and smell disturbances following COVID-19 infection. Approximately 40 patients who experienced disruptions in taste and smell following infection with COVID-19 will be recruited. Participants will complete baseline assessments (questionnaires, blood draw) and will be given 90 lactoferrin tablets (provided by Jarrow Formulas) in order to take 3 tablets per day for 30 days.