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.
People who suffer from this condition can experience symptoms like muscle pain, tiredness, depression, memory loss and other neurological problems, fever, headaches, enlarged glands, digestive problems along with many others. Recently, CFS has been attributed to a Vitamin B deficiency in many patients. Anyone that suffers from ME/CFS will find their daily lives disrupted to differing degrees by the fatigue that they are experiencing. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can cause it to be extremely difficult to complete normal daily activities. It will generally cause people to tire very easily from simple tasks.
Sufferers can also experience a myriad of physiological and psychological changes in the body. These can include changes in the nervous system, immune system, and muscle function. Not everyone has all of these symptoms or issues. Furthermore, some of the symptoms in the body and mind can also be found in people who dont have the condition. This makes diagnosis and treatment a very complex matter for everyone involved.
In South London, researchers at Kings College Hospital have recently completed a study of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and its relationship with B Vitamins in the body. Physical examinations of sufferers appeared normal, but blood analysis provided some insight. When blood samples were tested, Vitamin B6 had significantly lower levels than what is considered normal. In addition, Vitamin B1 and B2 showed small deficiencies.
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.
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.