Home > Benefits > Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) and Omega 3 Oil

Doctors now believe that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME) may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and suggested that taking Omega 3 oil supplements may help to alleviate some of the symptoms experienced by sufferers.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) affects an estimated 243,000 people in the UK, causing a range of symptoms from muscle pain to severe exhaustion, which can last many years and leave victims bed-ridden.

Dr. Basant Puri and colleagues at Hammersmith Hospital in London used scanning technology to assess chemical activity the brain. They examined a group of eight people who had been diagnosed with the syndrome and the same number of healthy people.

They found higher levels of two key chemicals - choline and creatine - in the brains of people with the condition. Choline is important for controlling fat levels in brain cells while creatine is important in the control of energy.

The Hammersmith doctors said the findings suggested Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) patients had abnormal phospholipid metabolisms. Phospholipids are special types of fats which are an essential component of cells. They are protected by certain types of fatty acids.

The doctors believe fatty acid supplements could help restore the chemical imbalance in the brain and alleviate the symptoms of CFS. The EPA contained in Omega 3 fish oil supplements may be particularly useful.

According to Dr. Basant Puri the study suggests that 'if patients with CFS take a high-EPA fatty acid supplement, then this should have a beneficial action on the chemical imbalances in the brain which we have identified.' Click here to read more about the Hammersmith study.

Tell a friend about this page

Printer friendly version