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

NCT ID NCT04858412

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Cleveland Clinic Foundation

    RECRUITING

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact