Paper
Supplements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Published 2016 · ReseaRch BRiefs
P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management
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Abstract
Supplements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Studies have suggested that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)—common anti oxidant dietary supplements with known cardioprotective effects—might relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Both supplements have been shown to significantly reduce fatigue levels and other symptoms associated with chronic diseases, such as fibromyalgia. Studies of their utility in treating CFS, however, have been very small with inconsistent conclusions, say researchers. Because research has shown that a mitochondrial failure reduces the rate of adenosine5triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, the central agent of energy production in CFS, and because CoQ10 and NADH increase cellular ATP production via mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, the researchers decided to conduct a proofofconcept study to assess the effect of supplementation on heart rate, with secondary measures of fatigue, pain, and sleep. In the eightweek study, 80 participants received CoQ10 200 mg once daily plus NADH 20 mg once daily or placebo (73 partici pants were included in the analysis). Heart rate was measured at baseline and at the end of the runin period. Fatigue, pain, and sleep were evaluated at baseline, then again at four and eight weeks using participants’ selfreport questionnaires. At eight weeks, the group given CoQ10 plus NADH had significant reductions in maximum heart rate during a cycle ergometer test, compared with baseline. Participants also reported a reduction in fatigue at each followup visit, although pain and sleep did not improve. The lack of effect on pain was an “unexpected result,” the researchers say. They believe the group receiving placebo was more sensitive to the placebo effect because they were anticipating a certain improvement, and that patients receiving active treatment would detect the objective improvement in symptoms like fatigue and be less sensitive to the less intense placebo response. The supplementation was safe and well tolerated, the researchers say, and could be added to conventional CFS therapy. Source: Clinical Nutrition, August 2016
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