Health Network News

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a condition which causes people to become easily fatigued. For a patient to be diagnosed with CFS, they will have to have been affected by the extreme tiredness for longer than 6 months. CFS isnt known to be directly caused by any other illnesses. However, it does often appear right after a viral infection or other similar illness, when the bodys strength and immune system are compromised.

Common symptoms of the condition include muscle pains, neck glands that are enlarged or sore, mood change, poor memory, mild fever, headaches and many others. This condition has recently been linked to a deficiency of certain B vitamins in the body. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers have differing degrees of disruption in their everyday life as a result of this condition. Many will find it hard to complete normal daily activities, and will tire very easily.

People who suffer from CFS/ME are known to have other physiological and psychological changes in the body. These changes can occur in the central nervous system, the immune system, and the function of muscle. Every patient experiences different symptoms and effects of this condition. Also, many changes that are related to CFS can be found in healthy people. This makes it very difficult to determine the nature of the illness and the best course of treatment.

A study done in London by Kings College Hospital has found that a lack of some essential B vitamins was common among their test subjects. Physical examinations proved normal, but further blood work found a different result. It was found that Vitamin B6, in particular, was significantly lower than normal in those with CFS symptoms or diagnoses. Vitamin B1 and B2, also known as thiamin and riboflavin, were detected to have small deficiencies, as well.

Since these deficiencies can affect energy levels and other body systems over time, they could provide a contributing factor in the development of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The first report of this relationship between Vitamin B deficiencies and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was documented in 1939 by a group from the University of Cincinnati. A study was performed on a group of patients who suffered from the symptoms of CFS. At that point, the disease was not well known. However, the patients in the study did show improvement when given Vitamin B6 in synthetic form.

The original study is not well documented, causing a debate as to whether this is a new find or not. For medical purposes, it doesnt matter when this discovery was made. What matters is that B vitamin supplements could be a helpful consideration to improve and manage the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It would be necessary for anyone considering this approach to consult their doctor before taking a course of dietary supplements.