Could Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Be Linked To A Vitamin B Deficiency?
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that causes excessive fatigue. The diagnosis is given to patients who have suffered from extreme tiredness for more than six months. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often occurs following an infection or illness or stressful event, due to the stress that is caused on the persons system. However, it is not known to be directly caused by any other illness or infection.
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.
Sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can also experience other physiological and psychological symptoms and changes. These changes can occur in the nervous system, the immune system, along with changes to the function of the muscles. Each patient will experience different symptoms and severity of symptoms with this condition. Some of these physical changes can also be found in people who dont suffer from CFS. This can make diagnosis and treatment very complicated for anyone affected.
Londons Kings College Hospital has recently completed a study that proved that various B vitamin deficiencies were common among those diagnosed with ME/CFS. When blood work was performed on the members of the study group, it was noted that Vitamin B6 was particularly low as compared to the levels in healthy subjects. Vitamin B1 and B2 were also found to have lower levels in these patients.
These vitamins are directly related to energy levels and proper body function, which makes them a potential contributing factor in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In 1939, a group from the University of Cincinnati performed a study to document the relationship between Vitamin B deficiencies and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Sufferers were all found to have deficiencies of certain B vitamins. Vitamin B6 was significantly low in CFS patients compared to healthy levels. Vitamin B1 and B2 also had small deficiencies. This discovery led the researchers to administer synthetic pyridoxine, or Vitamin B6, to sufferers, with positive results.
This early information is not documented electronically. Since it is difficult to find and not well recorded, researchers today feel they have discovered something new. Regardless of when this relationship was discovered, it is apparent that it can affect patients. Thus, B vitamin supplements could be a useful aid to sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Anyone considering supplementing their diet with any vitamin would be wise to consult with their doctor before doing so.
