Chronic fatigue is one of today's most common problems. But in this blog, find out which key nutrients can effectively address fatigue issues.

In this fast-paced world that we live in, we need all the energy that we can get in order to perform our tasks to the best of our ability.  Some of us may feel tired on certain days, due to the lack of sleep from over-working, or adapting to major changes in lifestyles.

However, if you have been feeling extremely tired for an extended period of time, you may be suffering from chronic fatigue.

What is chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition of prolonged and severe tiredness or weariness. People with CFS find it difficult to carry out daily tasks at home or at work, and it occurs most often in people aged 30-50 years old, more often in women than in men, and sometimes in children and adolescents.

Symptoms

Other than feeling fatigued, people with CFS also experience headaches, sore throat, body aches and tender lymph nodes.

CFS is a mitochondrial disease

One of the established causes of chronic fatigue syndrome is due to a mitochondrial dysfunction in the body.

Mitochondria are little powerhouses found in the cells of our body, and their purpose is to convert nutrients into energy. They supply energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used as an energy currency in all bodily activities.

When there is a reduced supply of ATP as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction, cells will not have sufficient energy to perform optimally, resulting in slower bodily activities which we describe as “fatigue”.

Optimising mitochondrial function with nutrients, can do heaps in improving symptoms of CFS.

1. Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral that your mitochondria needs in order to perform optimally. In order to produce new mitochondria, it depends on enzymes that require magnesium as a cofactor. These same enzymes also play a part in the repair of mitochondria, in which it can be damaged due to oxidative stress during intense physical exercises. Without an adequate level of magnesium, your mitochondrial count may be low, and the rate of repair may be slow as well, leading to less energy being produced for your cells to function.

2. CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is crucial for keeping mitochondria healthy. It is the primary antioxidant that the human cell provides to protect mitochondria when they are producing energy. When there is a lack of CoQ10, the level of ATP that the mitochondria produce decreases. Certain exposures to chemicals like pesticides or environmental toxins causes an increased need or depletion of CoQ10, causing mitochondrial dysfunction. As we age, our body loses the ability to make important molecules such as CoQ10, hence it is best replenished by supplements.

3. Acetyl L-Carnitine

Acetyl L-carnitine is a natural derivative of L-carnitine, an amino acid found in red meat and dairy products and in all cells of the human body. L-Carnitine facilitates the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria, which they then convert it into energy.  Acetyl L-carnitine molecules function as a delivery system across cell membranes for their two principal components: L-carnitine molecules and acetyl groups; the latter are vital for chemical reactions involved in numerous cellular metabolic processes. Since it facilitates energy metabolism and acts as an antioxidant, it helps to feed and preserve our mitochondria, reducing the risk of mitochondria dysfunction.

4. D-ribose

D-ribose is a type of sugar that serves to produce cellular energy. It is involved in the production of ATP and muscle recovery, both of which are impaired in chronic fatigue syndrome. As D-ribose provides the necessary substrate for the production of ATP, it supports the synthesis of it, increasing energy levels in the cells, curbing fatigue due to low ATP levels. Furthermore, it is effective as it is readily absorbed by the body, and it is free from side effects as well.

5. Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), is a vital intermediary in energy production. Without sufficient NAD, energy production is slowed and every single cell in the body will go slow. Consuming more protein-rich foods help to supply the amount of vitamin B3 needed for optimum energy production.

6. Vitamin B12 injections

Another cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is the overproduction of nitric oxide and its oxidant product peroxynitrite, which are released in response to stress. Nitric oxide has a detrimental effect on brain function and pain sensitivity, resulting in muscle weakness, fatigue, and emotional changes. Vitamin B12 helps by removing the levels of nitric oxide in our bodies, reducing the effects of the symptoms in our body. If you have a low level of vitamin B12 in your body, seeking B12 injections can help to alleviate the problem that come with B12 deficiency.

With any intervention, you will need testing, a thorough history, and generally a good functional medicine approach.