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Covid Loss? Super Gum Restores Taste and Smell
18 May
Summary
- A special chewing gum helped a Covid patient regain lost senses.
- The gum uses super-strength flavors to stimulate brain connections.
- Many Covid survivors experience permanent taste and smell loss.
A groundbreaking clinical trial involving a unique chewing gum has shown promising results for individuals experiencing permanent loss of taste and smell due to Covid-19. Dr. Paul Wicks, who lost his senses in August 2022, participated in a 12-week study at home.
Designed by Dr. Nicole Yang at the University of Nottingham, the gum aims to stimulate neural pathways for smell and taste. Participants chewed gum with super-strength flavors daily. Wicks noticed his senses returning after just six weeks, enabling him to fully experience food and scents again.
The pilot study included 16 participants, with 67% reporting improved smell and 83% improved taste. This offers hope, as an estimated 15 million people worldwide may suffer from persistent smell dysfunction post-Covid. The University of Nottingham team is seeking further funding for larger trials.
