Can a simple supplement help COVID-19 patients with liver disease?

NCT ID NCT04858412

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: The Cleveland Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether an HMB-enriched amino acid supplement can reverse muscle loss and improve recovery in 48 patients with alcoholic liver disease and COVID-19 pneumonia. Participants receive either the HMB supplement or a balanced amino acid mix for 90 days. Researchers will measure changes in muscle mass and track hospital admissions.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: HMB-enriched amino acid supplement
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple dietary supplement to help prevent muscle loss and reduce hospital stays in patients with alcoholic liver disease and COVID-19.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 48 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The supplement may not significantly improve muscle mass or clinical outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcoholic liver disease COVID-19

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE COVID-19 PNEUMONIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cleveland Clinic Foundation
RECRUITING

Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.