Reading time: 2 minChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a significant, complex, and debilitating chronic illness with no known cause, diagnostic tests, or universally effective treatment.
It is characterized by prolonged and recurring fatigue resulting in significant disability lasting at least 6 months and often for years. There are currently no specific laboratory tests for the condition.
The etiology remains unclear; however, recent studies have shown that oxidative stress and mitochondrial disorders related to energy requirements may be associated with its pathogenesis. Current treatments for CFS are largely aimed at managing symptoms.
CFS is also associated with several related biochemical and immune abnormalities in multiple inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, resulting in damage to DNA, essential fatty acids (lipids), proteins, mitochondria, and even red blood cells.
Emerging data suggest that CoQ10 and NADH deficiencies have been described in patients with CFS.
Both CoQ10 and NADH play critical roles in mitochondrial ATP production and cellular metabolic homeostasis, so much so that in some studies they have been shown to significantly reduce fatigue and even naturally restore mitochondrial function, leading to significant clinical improvement in treated patients and suggesting a new alternative and complementary therapy in CFS patients.
What is NADH and how does it work?
To fully understand this, we first need to understand mitochondria. Think of them as tiny engines—or energy producers—in every cell in the body. Their job is to provide energy to cells in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
But how exactly does this happen?
This is where NADH comes in. It sets off a chain reaction, converting coenzyme Q10 into its reduced form.
Thus, in its reduced form, CoQ10 becomes active and acts as a catalyst that allows mitochondria to produce ATP. Each molecule of NADH leads to the production of three ATP energy molecules, and without NADH, mitochondria cannot produce energy, leading to cell death.
Unity is strength
The association with Fructose 1-6 Diphosphate and Carnitine further contribute to increasing cellular energy levels.
The Fructose 1-6 Diphosphate It acts through the activation of glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, resulting in metabolic reactivation.
There carnitine Instead, it is an amino acid derivative; due to its biological role, it is essential in facilitating the entry of fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are oxidized to produce energy; it also performs an indirect antioxidant action, especially towards highly metabolic cells, such as cardiac and muscle cells.
