In a July 2020 study published in the journal Science Advances, Datta and colleagues found COVID-19 preferred to infiltrate these support cells because they, and not actual odor sensors, expressed the virus' protein of choice, the ACE2 receptor. Datta explained these cells provide nutrients, as well structural and environmental support. These support cells basically nurture the neurons in our noses that are responsible for sensing odors. 'The main cell type in your nose that's infected directly by the virus are actually support cells adjacent to the neurons (in your nose that detect smell),' Datta told USA TODAY. Sandeep Robert Datta, professor of neurobiology at Harvard Medical School. How exactly the spiky coronavirus hampers a person's sense of smell isn't entirely clear, but scientists do have a working theory, said Dr. The TikTok and Facebook users did not reply to USA TODAY's request for comment. There's no significant evidence it can actually help, experts say.įact check: FDA-approved blood thinner for children isn't related to Pfizer vaccine

Many Facebook users expressed an interest in trying ALA for themselves. The video received over 370,000 likes on TikTok within a month, and over 60,000 on Facebook. She claims within weeks of taking the supplement, she noticed her ability to taste and smell returned. It prevents it, but it can also help rebuild those cells,' the user says. it helps your neurons and those cells to not get destroyed. '(My relative said) basically what (ALA) does. In the three-minute video, the user describes being recommended alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) – an antioxidant that's also naturally made by the body – by a relative who lost their sense of smell due to chemotherapy. Holding up a blue bottle that reads 'Alpha Lipoic Acid,' she claims the supplement helped regain her sense of taste and smell after a COVID-19 infection. this right now, go get it!' says TikTok user in a TikTok shared to Facebook on Aug.

But one video circulating on social media claims to have the solution to your woes. If you've lost your sense of taste and smell after a bout of COVID-19, waiting for them to return can be frustrating.

Staff video, USA TODAY The claim: Alpha-lipoic acid can help regain sense of smell and taste lost to COVID-19

How to get your taste buds back