Fatigue & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Personalized tests to detect metabolites (small molecules) and gene variants associated with Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The Italian physiologist, Angelo Mosso, stated more than a century ago that the word “fatigue” refers to at least two phenomena: “The first is the reduction of muscular strength. The second is fatigue as a feeling.” In other words, there is a physical event that can be measured and a mental event that escapes measurement. Fatigue may have different biological causes and/or mechanisms in healthy people and others in people facing an acute illness or people facing chronic problems but also people with chronic symptoms not clearly linked to organ dysfunction. While the underlying biological causes and/or mechanisms may differ, healthy volunteers and those with chronic conditions describe fatigue symptoms in similar terms. Factors that worsen fatigue include disturbed sleep, pain, depression and anxiety.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a biological disease that affects many parts of the body. It causes severe fatigue that does not improve with rest, problems thinking and sleeping, dizziness, pain and many other symptoms. People with CFS may not look sick, but they cannot do their usual activities. Chronic fatigue syndrome can worsen after any activity – physical or mental.

The Invisible Enemies of Health: What are the factors associated with the onset of Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) is still unknown. A combination of factors may be involved, including:

  1. Genes-Epigenetics: CFS may be related to epigenetic changes, so some people may be more likely to develop the disorder. For more information, visit our epigenome page .
  2. Increased production of oxidizing oxygen radicals (ROS) and dysfunction of antioxidant systems: Increased production of oxidizing oxygen radicals (ROS) can lead to disruption of mitochondria (the powerhouses), DNA and proteins, resulting in low energy and fatigue.
  3. Unhealthy Lifestyle: Stressors and emotional distress responses influence fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms, including fatigue. Nutritional deficiencies may also exacerbate oxidative stress pathways from nitrogen and oxygen free radicals and increase the degradation of many nutrients.
  4. Environment and Xenobiotics (chemicals): Studies have reported that nickel and mercury can cause delayed-type hypersensitivity (type 4 allergy) and that this phenomenon is more common in patients with fatigue and/or CFS compared to healthy individuals. Poor selenium status interacting synergistically with an increased ratio of dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to omega-3 PUFA can induce synthesis of inflammatory factors.
  5. The gut microbiota: It is worth noting that typical symptoms in CFS, such as digestive disorders, depression, cognitive problems, and even fatigue itself, are thought to be closely related to gut microbiome dysbiosis. There is a significant reduction of gut microbiome species (diversity α) among patients with CFS or fatigue (in species) compared to healthy individuals ( fgacenter.gr/o-rolos-tou-mikorobioma-tou-enterou/ ).
  6. Energy Intake and Metabolism: Scientists have found differences between people with CFS or fatigue and healthy people in the way their cells use food to create energy. As a result, people with CFS or fatigue have less fuel to keep their brains and muscles active. The metabolism of lipids and their peroxidation from the oxidative load is another main feature, since polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA’s) are the important targets of free radicals.

The FGA Center approach

With the latest science and specialized tests, we evaluate the genetic, cellular and environmental factors that contribute to multiple sclerosis. We analyze single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and associated genetic variants to provide you with a personalized approach.

Our approach includes:

  1. Personalized Metabolite Analysis: We identify metabolites related to nutritional deficiencies, trace elements, energy intake and metabolism, the antioxidant mechanism and its functions, microbial flora, the influence of diet, environmental factors and stress.
  2. Personalized Nutrition Programs: According to your specialized results, we recommend specialized and individual nutrition programs that respond to the best treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.
  3. Dietary Supplements and Lifestyle: We provide advice on specific supplements and lifestyle changes.
  4. Ongoing Support: We monitor the biological needs that arise to address fatigue.

Discover the possibilities that science gives us with the help of the FGA Center.