Losing your sense of smell after COVID-19 can be frustrating and long-lasting. At present, the treatment with the strongest evidence remains olfactory (smell) training, which involves repeatedly smelling specific scents to help retrain the brain.
A new scientific review explored whether combining smell training with a specific anti-inflammatory supplement could improve recovery for people with post-COVID smell loss. We have covered PEA-LUT on CKOS before: our earlier post on umPEA-LUT research and availability gives useful background on what this compound is and how it works.
About the review
Researchers analysed seven high-quality clinical trials involving 525 people with ongoing smell problems after COVID-19. In these studies, one group completed smell training alone, while another group combined smell training with a supplement called PEA-LUT (palmitoylethanolamide with luteolin). This compound is thought to reduce inflammation around nerve cells involved in smell.
What did the researchers find?
Across the studies, people who used both smell training and the supplement showed greater improvement in their sense of smell compared with those who completed smell training alone. More participants experienced meaningful recovery, and overall smell test scores were higher in the combined-treatment group.
These findings suggest that reducing inflammation in the smell system may help smell nerves recover more effectively when paired with structured training.
An important note about supplements
The studies reviewed used a specific ultramicronised form of PEA-LUT, designed to improve absorption and effectiveness in the body. This is not the same as many standard PEA or PEA-LUT supplements sold online or in health-food shops, which may not have the same biological effects.
What does this mean for patients?
This research reinforces that smell training remains a key part of recovery. It also suggests that, for some people, combining smell training with targeted anti-inflammatory treatment may improve outcomes.
However, this approach is not yet standard care, and supplements should always be discussed with a healthcare professional before use.
Overall, the review adds to growing evidence that post-COVID smell loss recovery can improve and that researchers are actively exploring new ways to support it.
Key Takeaway
A review of seven clinical trials found that combining smell training with the supplement PEA-LUT produced better outcomes than smell training alone for people with post-COVID smell loss. The supplement used in these studies is a specific ultramicronised form; standard versions sold in shops may not be equivalent. Talk to your doctor before adding any supplement to your routine.
Sources
Smell training and PEA-LUT review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00405-026-10013-5
