Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex medical condition that leads to unexplained, extreme exhaustion or fatigue that lasts for at least six months.

According to orthodox medicine, it is not caused by any underlying medical conditions or lifestyle habits, and its symptoms cannot be attributed to any other illness. In addition to fatigue, individuals with CFS may experience severe headaches, muscle pain, impaired memory and concentration, insomnia, and flu-like symptoms. Because of the nature of the condition, those affected often face difficulty in maintaining a normal daily routine, leading to isolation, depression, and anxiety. Despite medical advancements, there is currently no cure for CFS, and treatment typically centers around symptom management and pain relief.

Naturopathic Support

We can't always just have a machine gun approach and throw everything at you to give you energy. It's not the best method, it's best to prioritise.
What are the short term goals?
What are the long term goals?

Based on a holistic model of health, commonly called naturopathic medicine, we must assume that the body is all connected and therefore your digestion is having an impact on your hormones just as much as your nervous system having an impact on your immunity.

D- Ribose

A lot of research shows that it's an important component in the ATP production in the mitochondria. One particular study shows a large multicentered study, it had around 250 patients.
In this study on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and D-Ribose, they gave five grams of D-RIROSE three times a day and that increased energy levels by 61% in this study.
It also increased the cognitive function, the sleep quality and reduced the pain as well.

Vitamin Bs

Now, another thing could be B vitamins, particularly B 5, B 6 and B12. These will help stress .
For example, B 5 forms a part of the coenzyme A and that's an essential thing for production of the acetylcholine. This is a neurotransmitter involved in the brain and muscle function.
Vitamin B6 is a vital cofactor for the transminase enzyme and it's the creation of GABA, dopamine, histamine and serotonin.
So those neurotransmitters important for our brain and energy throughout the day.
Vitamin B 7 is also important for energy production and cortisol production as well as in the dopamine production.

CoQ10

CoQ10 is very important as well in ATP production. Research is quite plentiful in that area, quite essential for the oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria.

One study published in the journal Nutrients in 2018 investigated the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on symptoms of CFS. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 80 participants with CFS who were divided into two groups. One group received 100 mg of CoQ10 daily, while the other group received a placebo. The study found that the CoQ10 group had significant improvements in fatigue, pain, and sleep quality compared to the placebo group. The researchers also observed a reduction in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the CoQ10 group.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics in 2016 reviewed the available literature on CoQ10 as a potential therapy for CFS. The review found that several studies have reported significant improvements in symptoms of CFS with CoQ10 supplementation. The authors concluded that CoQ10 may be a safe and effective therapy for CFS and recommended further research in this area.  

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is a supplement that has shown potential for improving fatigue and other symptoms associated with  CFS. Research suggests that ALCAR may increase energy production in the mitochondria and enhance neurotransmitter function, both of which are impaired in CFS.

One randomized controlled trial found that ALCAR supplementation at a dosage of 2000mg/day for 24 weeks significantly improved fatigue, mood, and sleep quality in patients with CFS.

Another study found that ALCAR supplementation at a dosage of 500-1000mg/day for 8 weeks significantly improved fatigue severity, muscle pain, and cognition in CFS patients. The optimal dosage of ALCAR for CFS patients is not yet established, but the evidence suggests that dosages ranging from 500-2000mg/day may be effective.

As with any supplement, these dosages should be discussed with a healthcare provider. 

For more information and ideas to overcome CFS, watch the video below.

References:

1. Castro-Marrero J, Cordero MD, Segundo MJ, et al. Does oral coenzyme Q10 plus NADH supplementation improve fatigue and biochemical parameters in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Antioxid Redox Signal. 2015;22(8):679-685.

2. Tomas-Zapico C, Coto-Montes A. Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2016;41(6):647-652.

3. Castro-Marrero J, Saez-Francas N, Segundo MJ, et al. Effect of coenzyme Q10 plus nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide supplementation on maximal oxygen uptake in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Clin Nutr. 2016;35(4):826-834.

4. Castro-Marrero J, Saez-Francas N, Segundo MJ, et al. Effect of coenzyme Q10 plus nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide supplementation on maximum heart rate after exercise testing in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients: a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial. Clin Ther. 2015;37(5):e145-e152.

5. Henchcliffe C, Beal MF. Mitochondrial biology and oxidative stress in Parkinson disease pathogenesis. Nat Clin Pract Neurol. 2008;4(11):600-609.

6. Vermeulen RC, Scholte HR. Explorative open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychosom Med. 2004;66(2):276-282.

7.. Fluge Ø, Bruland O, Risa K, et al. Benefit from B-Lymphocyte depletion using the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab in chronic fatigue syndrome, a double-blind and placebo-controlled study. PLoS One. 2011;6(10):e26358.

8.. Rossignol DA. Novel and emerging treatments for mitochondrial diseases. J Child Neurol. 2014;29(9):1181-1190.