Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder that affects different people in different ways. There is no official way to treat chronic fatigue, and many novel treatments are available today. While no treatment will work for everybody, many chronic fatigue sufferers have found relief through vitamin B12 therapy.

Vitamin B12 banishes the foggy brain

Taking vitamin B12 usually improves the cognitive difficulties associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, such as poor short term memory, difficulty concentrating and inability to multitask. It can also relieve feelings of fatigue and increase feelings of wellbeing.

People with chronic fatigue syndrome are not necessarily deficient in Vitamin B12. But even in double-blind tests, chronic fatigue patients reported increases in energy regardless of whether they were deficient. In one trial, patients were injected with 2,500-5,000 mcg of vitamin B12 every 2-3 weeks. 50-80 percent of the patients noticed improvements in their symptoms. Patients noticed the greatest improvement after several weeks of use.

Vitamin B12 fights nitric oxide

Studies have shown that chronic fatigue patients have high levels of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, which may be related to the symptoms associated with CFS. Nitric oxide is known to negatively affect brain function and pain sensitivity. B12 reduces the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome because it is a scavenger of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite.

Taking vitamin B12

The most effective way for chronic fatigue patients to take vitamin B12 is through injection. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal-based proteins and can also be ingested in supplement form. But ingesting vitamin B12 is not practical for chronic fatigue sufferers because the body is limited in how much of the vitamin it can absorb.

Injections may be given by your doctor or sometimes patients inject themselves. Every chronic fatigue patient is different, so you may need injections every day or only once a month. This vitamin has no known toxicity, so it is unlikely you will overdose. If you take too much, your body will pass it in the urine. (Too much B12 can make your urine turn pink.)

Allergies, which are rare, usually manifest as redness, swelling and itchiness at the injection site. This may also be caused by poor injection technique. When you stop taking vitamin B12, you may still notice its effects for up to four weeks.

Other vitamins to try

Many CFS patients in the United States, Canada and Europe have found relief through the use of vitamin B12. If you would like to try other supplements as well, consider these options:

• Magnesium may reduce fatigue
• L-carnitine supports energy production in your cells
• B-complex, Vitamin B5 and B6 to lessen the effects of stress
• Vitamin C for immune function and endurance
• Beta-carotene for immune function
• DHEA to improve energy levels
• NADH for energy production

Supplements can help you get the nutrients you need, but make sure that you are consuming a healthy diet as well. It is important to consume the right amount of vegetables, protein, whole grains, legumes, and the essential fatty acids found in nuts and fish.

For a more natural approach to dealing with the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue, click here.

Sources:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/chronic-fatigue-000035.htm
http://www.puritan.com/vf/healthnotes/HN_live/Concern/Chronic_Fatigue_Syndrome.htm”"
http://www.drmyhill.co.uk/article.cfm?id=341
http://mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/DS00395