Unfortunately a single drug cannot be used to cure Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but some unlikely assistance can be found through nutrition. Additionally, if you don’t suffer from chronic fatigue but need some suggestions to limit how tired you feel, have a read.

Vitamin A:

Chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with a depressed immune function. Vitamin A helps the immune system become stronger, so its not surprising that vitamin A deficiency weakens the system. The safest way to supplement vitamin A is via beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A as needed. Beta-carotene supplements help strengthen the immune system by helping the body build more defence immune cells (known as T cells) which can be used to fight infections.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C helps to assist wound healing, reduce the duration of symptoms of a common cold and improves the efficiency of the immune system when fighting viral and bacterial infections.

High doses of vitamin C have been used to boost the immune system function since the 1940’s. Chronic fatigue has been attributed to a viral infection, so the immune-building and virus-stopping properties of large dose vitamin C could help.

Therefore, if you suspect that your fatigue is due to an infection, vitamin C supplements might be the way to go!

Magnesium:

Magnesium acts as a catalyst for thousands of biochemical reactions in your body, and is essential for nerve condition and muscle activity. A study examining chronic fatigue and magnesium levels found that 50% of patients were magnesium deficient (Cox, Campbell & Dowson, 1991). A calcium-magnesium supplement is a great way to boost your magnesium intake and can be introduced as a first-line defence against fatigue.

Magnesium deficiency is linked to the release of stress hormones, so if you think that your fatigue is linked with stress, magnesium supplements might just help!

For more information on how supplements can help you, book an appointment with Katie our naturopath!