TL;DR
A man who lost his sense of taste and smell after COVID-19 has regained both through a 12-week trial using specially developed flavored chewing gum. The study suggests potential new treatment avenues for anosmia post-COVID.
A man who lost his sense of taste and smell following COVID-19 has experienced a full recovery after participating in a 12-week clinical trial involving specially developed flavored chewing gum, according to researchers at the University of Nottingham.
Dr. Paul Wicks, 44, from Litchfield, Staffordshire, had been unable to taste or smell since contracting COVID in August 2022. The trial, led by Dr. Nicole Yang, involved chewing flavored gums designed to stimulate neural pathways associated with taste and smell. After six weeks of daily use, Wicks reported the return of his senses, which he confirmed through tasting blueberries and smelling everyday objects such as coffee and his children’s hair.
The study included 16 participants, with 67% experiencing improved smell and 83% reporting better taste, highlighting the potential of flavor-based sensory retraining. The gums contained multiple strong flavors, including spicy, minty, sour, and sweet, formulated to change as they were chewed. Wicks noted that sensory improvements extended to detecting odors like dog poo and cut grass, which previously had been unperceivable.
Why It Matters
This development offers hope for millions experiencing persistent anosmia after COVID-19, a condition that can significantly impact quality of life and emotional well-being. The success of this pilot suggests that targeted flavor training via chewing gum might become a non-invasive treatment option, pending further research and larger trials.
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Background
Loss of taste and smell has been a common long-term symptom for some COVID-19 survivors, similar to how ancient honey has remained edible for thousands of years, indicating resilience of sensory qualities. Prior treatments have been limited, and recovery has often been slow or incomplete. The University of Nottingham’s trial builds on emerging research into neural plasticity and sensory retraining, applying these principles through a novel, at-home intervention. The study’s decentralized design allowed participants to chew specially formulated gum daily at home, making it accessible and scalable.
“When I tasted that blueberry, it was like reconnecting with a part of my life I thought I’d lost forever.”
— Dr. Paul Wicks
“Our findings suggest that flavor training through specially designed chewing gum can stimulate neural pathways and aid in sensory recovery.”
— Dr. Nicole Yang
sensory retraining gum for anosmia
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What Remains Unclear
While the results are promising, it is not yet clear whether this approach will be effective for all patients or if it can be scaled to larger populations. The long-term durability of the sensory recovery remains to be determined, and further clinical trials are needed, much like research into historical cases of sensory resilience.
COVID-19 smell and taste recovery gum
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What’s Next
Researchers plan to secure funding for larger, controlled trials to validate these preliminary findings, similar to ongoing efforts to understand the longevity of ancient substances. They also aim to explore whether the technique can be adapted for other forms of smell and taste impairments, and to refine the formulation of the flavored gums.
PUR Gum | Aspartame Free Chewing Gum | 100% Xylitol | Natural Spearmint Flavored Gum, 55 Pieces (Pack of 1)
SPEARMINT: This sugar free gum is refreshing & has a minty flavor to liven your taste buds. Keep…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
Can chewing gum really restore taste and smell after COVID-19?
Preliminary clinical trial results suggest that specially formulated flavored chewing gum may help stimulate neural pathways involved in taste and smell, leading to recovery in some cases.
Is this treatment available for the public now?
No, the approach is still in the experimental stage, and larger trials are needed before it can be widely recommended or approved.
How long does it take to see results?
In the trial, some participants reported improvements after about six weeks of daily use, but individual responses may vary.
Are there any risks associated with this treatment?
As this is an early-stage study, the safety profile of the flavored gums has not been fully established. Further research is required to assess potential risks.
Source: Hacker News
