Chronic fatigue's main symptom is persistent tiredness lasting for more than 6 months, which doesn't improve with rest or sleep. It is usually not caused by other conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, iron-deficiency anemia, or heart problems.
We lack both the energy and stamina to handle our daily activities and responsibilities. The symptoms worsen even further after the slightest mental or physical activity. Estimates suggest that it affects more than 1 million Americans.
It seems to primarily affect people with many responsibilities, but its cause remains unknown. Lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol and sugar consumption, and continuous, uncontrolled low-calorie diets appear to negatively contribute to chronic fatigue. On the other hand, consuming regular meals, fruits and vegetables, legumes with starch, fish, and dairy products provide beneficial nutrition to the body. Additionally, stress may be a significant cause of chronic fatigue. How to deal with it? Start by putting an end to prolonged daily stress and dedicating time for yourself.
Although dietary supplements don’t provide energy the way macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) do, they participate in processes that:
The supplements found to have a positive effect on chronic fatigue can be categorized based on their action as follows:
Immediate Action
These temporarily boost the individual due to their direct impact on the nervous system or electrolyte balance. Ingredients with such action include ginseng, taurine, caffeine, royal jelly, electrolytes, and more.
Long-Lasting Action
These involve ingredients that provide continuous nourishment to the neuromuscular system, such as coenzyme Q10, carnitine (more for athletes), and the B vitamin complex.
It’s good to know that all of these ingredients can also be found in foods! Below, you can see a table with food sources of these ingredients.
| Ingredient | Sources |
| Coenzyme Q10 | Sardines, Mackerel, Chicken |
| Carnitine | Meat and less so dairy products |
| B Vitamin Complex | Cereals, Eggs, Meat |
The answer is that dietary supplements cannot replace a balanced nutritional plan, but they can complement the diet, especially for individuals with increased physical and mental activity. After all, don’t forget that food provides the essential fuel, which is the number one necessary component for any physical activity. In fact, these supplements have the greatest effect when the individual follows a balanced diet, as the biochemistry of food significantly aids in their absorption.
The common audience that usually chooses dietary supplements is those who care about maintaining a balanced diet.
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