Nutritional Relationship with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a multifactorial disease that causes fatigue and long-term disability in educational, occupational, social, and personal activities. Diagnosis and treatment of this disease is difficult due to its many symptoms, lack of diagnostic tests, and a definitive treatment method. Treatments are usually recommended by medical doctors on a symptom-based basis. In addition, the importance of nutrition in symptomatic treatment is increasing. It has been reported that some nutrient deficiencies have an effect on the exacerbation of the symptoms of CFS. Nutrient deficiencies are likely not only contribute to the clinical manifestations of CFS but also impair the healing process. It is thought that the changes to be made in the diet and the use of food supplements may be effective in the improvement of CFS. Studies have shown the therapeutic benefits of nutrients. For this reason, patients with CFS should be evaluated in terms of nutrition and nutrients that are deficient should be replaced. In this review article, it is aimed to provide information about vitamin-mineral deficiencies and the potential benefits of food supplementation in CFS.