Journal of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Differences in mineral levels may be related to symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

The aim of our work was to examine the level of minerals among patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Our study included 9 patients (3 men and 6 women) diagnosed using the Fukuda criteria. The mean age of the patients was 33.33±6.48 years and the mean disease duration was 3.94±3.11 years. Hair samples 3-4 cm long, counting from the scalp skin, were taken from which external impurities were then removed based on recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency and pressure mineralization using microwave energy. Samples were then analyzed for minerals using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). We evaluated the levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, sodium and potassium in the study and control group. The bioelectrical impedance method (BIA) was used to analyze body composition. We observed statistically significant differences in the levels of some minerals Ca (P=0.0151), Mg (P=0.0050), Zn (P=0.0002), K (P=0.0372), Na (P=0.0321) compared to the control group composed from healthy volunteers. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed only between Fe level and length of history (R=-0.71, p<0.05). Differences in mineral levels may be related to many different symptoms in the course of chronic fatigue syndrome. Appropriate regulation of mineral levels may lead to the relief of symptoms, but further research is needed.

Author(s):

Joanna Slomko, Gracjan Rozanski and Pawel Zalewski

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