Win the War on Fatigue—Energize One Cell at a Time

By VRP Staff

Chronic fatigue is a very big problem. When you’re tired all the time, even the easiest chores seem like impossible feats of strength. But if you’re looking for a solution, you’re going to have to think small—because according to the latest research, the trouble actually starts in your cells.¹

Mitochondria are the cellular structures responsible for generating your energy at the most basic level. They make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the elemental building block of energy that makes the most critical functions in your body possible—from cellular metabolism to cell signaling. Unfortunately, several factors can chip away at mitochondrial functioning, causing your ATP production to plummet—aging, free radical damage, and DNA mutation, to name a few.^2-5

If you’re low on ATP, you’re bound to feel the effects—from simple brain fog to debilitating fatigue—and the only way to avoid this is through vigilant mitochondrial support. Luckily, a number of natural substances have been proven to provide just that. Studies have shown that several nutrients can effectively restore ATP levels, especially in combination.

Adequate levels of L-carnitine, for example, have been linked to higher energy and better functional capacity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).^6-7 To maximize cellular metabolism and minimize oxidative stress, you can pair L-carnitine with lipoic acid—a powerful antioxidant that’s able to protect against and repair age-related mitochondrial damage, boosting your energy as a result.^8-9 Finally, n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) plays an equally essential role in the fight against fatigue. As a precursor of the antioxidant glutathione, studies show that NAC counteracts free radical damage while directly improving mitochondrial energy production.^10-11 

D-ribose is a natural sugar that serves as an essential molecule for energy production. Clinical research shows that as little as 5 grams daily can significantly reduce the intensity of pain, increase energy levels, and contribute to a feeling of general well-being for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia patients, while reducing free radical formation.¹³ Similar results have been seen with Coenzyme Q10—although natural levels of this important compound decrease with age, one study showed that 69 percent of chronic fatigue patients reported an improvement in their symptoms after CoQ10 supplementation.¹⁴

A simple supplement program that includes D-ribose and CoQ10 can enhance mitochondrial health and ultimately boost energy levels.

References:

1. Bains W. Treating Chronic Fatigue states as a disease of the regulation of energy metabolism. Med Hypotheses. 2008 Oct;71(4):481-8.

2. Lesnefsky EJ, Hoppel CL. Oxidative phosphorylation and aging. Ageing Res Rev. 2006 Nov;5(4):402-33.

3. Cortopassi GA, Wong A. Mitochondria in organismal aging and degeneration. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1999 Feb 9;1410(2):183-93.

4. Fahn HJ, Wang LS, Hsieh RH, et al. Age-related 4,977 bp deletion in human lung mitochondrial DNA. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1996 Oct;154(4 Pt 1):1141-5.

5. Wei YH, Lee HC. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial DNA mutation, and impairment of antioxidant enzymes in aging. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2002 Oct;227(9):671-82.

6. Plioplys AV, Plioplys S. Serum levels of carnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome: clinical correlates. Neuropsychobiology. 1995;32(3):132-8.

7. Kuratsune H, Yamaguti K, Takahashi M, et al. Acylcarnitine deficiency in chronic fatigue syndrome. Clin Infect Dis. 1994 Jan;18 Suppl 1:S62-7.

8. McCarty MF, Barroso-Aranda J, Contreras F. The "rejuvenatory" impact of lipoic acid on mitochondrial function in aging rats may reflect induction and activation of PPAR-gamma coactivator-1alpha. Med Hypotheses. 2009 Jan;72(1):29-33.

9. Liu J. The effects and mechanisms of mitochondrial nutrient alpha-lipoic acid on improving age-associated mitochondrial and cognitive dysfunction: an overview. Neurochem Res. 2008 Jan;33(1):194-203.

10. Martínez M, Hernández AI, Martínez N. N-Acetylcysteine delays age-associated memory impairment in mice: role in synaptic mitochondria. Brain Res. 2000 Feb 7;855(1):100-6.

11. Cocco T, Sgobbo P, Clemente M, et al. Tissue-specific changes of mitochondrial functions in aged rats: effect of a long-term dietary treatment with N-acetylcysteine. Free Radic Biol Med. 2005 Mar 15;38(6):796-805.

12. Shoffner JM, Lott MT, Voljavec AS, et al. Spontaneous Kearns-Sayre/chronic external ophthalmoplegia plus syndrome associated with a mitochondrial DNA deletion: a slip-replication model and metabolic therapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1989 Oct;86(20):7952-6.

13. Teitelbaum JE, Johnson C, St Cyr J. The use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2006;12(9):857-62.

14. Bentler SE, Hartz AJ, Kuhn EM. Prospective observational study of treatments for unexplained chronic fatigue. J Clin Psychiatry. 2005 May;66(5):625-32.