Nutritional supplements are an essential component of any CFS/ME treatment protocol. Research has shown that people with CFS/ME are routinely deficient in many important nutrients (notably zinc, magnesium, and carnitine). These deficiencies, in and of themselves, can decrease the degree to which the body can absorb and make use of other nutrients. Even when there are no clinical nutritional deficiencies, the physiological demands of a chronic illness make it necessary to provide additional nutritional support – especially in light of the numerous GI problems prevalent in the CFS/ME population, which may lead to malabsorption. For these reasons, most CFS/ME doctors recommend supplements.
My own experience with nutritional supplements is that recovery is virtually impossible without them. Sometimes, I did not notice immediate benefits, but when I stopped taking them I felt a decline in energy after a few weeks.
The ten supplements most frequently recommended by CFS/ME physicians are:
1) An all-round nutritional supplement (multi-vitamin and minerals)
2) Vitamin B-12
3) Magnesium
4) CoQ10
5) Carnitine
6) Fish Oil
7) Vitamin C
8) Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
9) Vitamin D3
10) Zinc
These are the standard supplements that nearly every CFS/ME physician will instruct you to take at one point or another. I have taken all of them, and each has provided some benefit. But there are a few that I cannot do without.
Here are the five supplements which have benefited me the most:
1) Fish oil - I take the enteric-coated form, Fisol. This was of immediate benefit to me, and I've taken it every day for five years.
2) B complex vitamins - I take these in liquid form.
3) Butyrate (ButyRen, Butyrex) - has helped with intestinal healing
4) Vitamin A - has improved my sleep
5) Vitamin C - immediate increase in energy, I take the powdered form
I also routinely take vitamin D3, vitamin E, magnesium and zinc (carnosine). I have never noticed any particular effect from taking these, but I know that I need them.
For specific symptoms, I also take the appropriate supplements. Carnitine, for example, was very useful for increasing muscle strength and appetite when I was severely ill. Ubiquinol (CoQ10) helped increase energy levels, as did D-Ribose. There have been many others.
Every person is a little different. With patience, perseverance, and a lot of trial-and-error, you will find your "top 5."
My best wishes for your speedy recovery!
Erica
My own experience with nutritional supplements is that recovery is virtually impossible without them. Sometimes, I did not notice immediate benefits, but when I stopped taking them I felt a decline in energy after a few weeks.
The ten supplements most frequently recommended by CFS/ME physicians are:
1) An all-round nutritional supplement (multi-vitamin and minerals)
2) Vitamin B-12
3) Magnesium
4) CoQ10
5) Carnitine
6) Fish Oil
7) Vitamin C
8) Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
9) Vitamin D3
10) Zinc
These are the standard supplements that nearly every CFS/ME physician will instruct you to take at one point or another. I have taken all of them, and each has provided some benefit. But there are a few that I cannot do without.
Here are the five supplements which have benefited me the most:
1) Fish oil - I take the enteric-coated form, Fisol. This was of immediate benefit to me, and I've taken it every day for five years.
2) B complex vitamins - I take these in liquid form.
3) Butyrate (ButyRen, Butyrex) - has helped with intestinal healing
4) Vitamin A - has improved my sleep
5) Vitamin C - immediate increase in energy, I take the powdered form
I also routinely take vitamin D3, vitamin E, magnesium and zinc (carnosine). I have never noticed any particular effect from taking these, but I know that I need them.
For specific symptoms, I also take the appropriate supplements. Carnitine, for example, was very useful for increasing muscle strength and appetite when I was severely ill. Ubiquinol (CoQ10) helped increase energy levels, as did D-Ribose. There have been many others.
Every person is a little different. With patience, perseverance, and a lot of trial-and-error, you will find your "top 5."
My best wishes for your speedy recovery!
Erica
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