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.
Symptoms are very broad-ranging and include everything from headaches and muscle pain to tiredness, depression, temperature regulation issues and neurological problems. Recently, this condition has been associated with a Vitamin B deficiency within the body. People that suffer from ME/CFS have differing degrees of disruption to their lives. This condition causes obvious difficulties because they cannot complete simple tasks without suffering fatigue.
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.
Londons Kings College Hospital has recently completed a study that proved that various B vitamin deficiencies were common among those diagnosed with ME/CFS. When blood work was performed on the members of the study group, it was noted that Vitamin B6 was particularly low as compared to the levels in healthy subjects. Vitamin B1 and B2 were also found to have lower levels in these patients.
These three B Vitamins, when deficient can have a large effect on the energy level and adversely affect other bodily systems. This suggests them to be a possible contributing factor in the development of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In 1939, this relationship was also documented by a study performed at the University of Cincinnati. The study proved that patients who suffered from CFS symptoms had a positive response to synthetic doses of Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine.
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.