How Vitamins and Supplements Can Help Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)


by Scott Meyers - Date: 2007-05-11 - Word Count: 736 Share This!

As with any treatment plan, individuals should discuss vitamin or supplement therapy with their physician. Vitamins and supplements can help relieve some of the symptoms experienced by people with CFS.

Doctors treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) have recommended using Probiotics. Several patients have also reported feeling better while taking these supplements. Probiotics are "good bacteria" or micro-organisms that help ward off other types of bacteria. These "good bacteria" have been shown to have many benefits. While most people think of the bacteria in yogurt to combat diarrhea, there are other probiotics available to help with general health and improving the immune system. Probiotics used as medicinal treatment are available in tablet form. B. lactis HN019 (HOWARU or DR10) is an example of one product that may boost the immune system. Care needs to be taken in selecting a brand of probiotics, to ensure that you are getting the precise strain of bacteria proven effective, and at therapeutic levels.

Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) has many useful properties. It functions as an anti-oxidant, and also helps immune system cells stay healthy. It has also received positive feedback from both doctors and patients. Some studies indicate that liquid filled gel capsules will allow more Co-Q10 into the body than tablet forms. Vitaline has a reasonable price and is available in both tablet and chewable forms.

Amongst the more traditionally named vitamins, A has been found to be very helpful in fighting viral infections. B Vitamins have also been known to alleviate symptoms in CFS patients. Injections of B12 have been found to fortify red blood cells, which helps to boost energy levels. B2 and B6 have been shown to be useful to individuals who are under stress. Fortified Yeast Supplements are a source of B vitamins and also aid in increasing energy levels.

Vitamin C shortage has been implicated in many diseases. Lack of Vitamin C does not result in just the infamous scurvy. Low Vitamin C levels have also been found in people with CFS. Supplements have vastly reduced symptoms, and in many cases, cured diseases. Vitamin C is water soluble - meaning that the body flushes it out very quickly. For patients suffering with CFS, Vitamin C taken in large quantities can relieve muscle pain and fatigue. A dosage of 10 grams of Vitamin C 3 times a day can be helpful. Higher than recommended dosages, or more frequent dosages may help, but you will need to check with your doctor to make sure this is safe for you. Adjusting the dose of Vitamin C can be a balancing act, as gas and diarrhea are side effects of taking increased amounts of Vitamin C. If you find this Vitamin helps you, but cannot tolerate the associated gas and diarrhea, Liposomal Vitamin C might be a better option. You need to find the correct balance in order to experience improvement.

Flax seed oil or primrose oil may help, as patients with CFS have been known to have fatty acid deficiencies. Take up to two teaspoons a day, along with a magnesium supplement of 400 milligrams. Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and capsule form

An enzyme supplement known as Vitalzymes helps with concentration difficulties. It is known to help with blood flow issues, and is doctor recommended.

Magnesium deficiency may also be a problem for CFS patients. A recent study showed twenty people with CFS and compared them with twenty healthy volunteers. Blood magnesium levels of the CFS patients were found to be significantly lower than found in healthy volunteers. Take a combination formula that supplies 100 milligrams of magnesium and 300 milligrams of malic acid three times daily, twenty minutes before each meal, for six to eight weeks.

The digestion and absorption of nutrients is often compromised in CFS patients, thus digestive enzyme supplements may also be useful. Take a full-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement that contains 5,000 international units of lipase, 2,500 international units of amylase, 300 international units of protease, plus 500 to 1,000 milligrams of pancreatin, with each meal.

When taking vitamins and supplements as part of your treatment plan, it is essential to check with your physician first. Vitamins are potent chemicals that may adversely react with other medications you are taking. A balanced diet along with a monitored vitamin and supplement therapy plan can assist patients in relieving the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and also to manage the fluctuations in energy and wellness levels.


Related Tags: supplements, vitamins, chronic fatigue syndrome, magnesium, flax seed oil, coenzyme q10, cfs

Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Nutrition and Health .

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