Omega-3 Fatty Acid May Benefit Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients

Omega-3 fatty acid derived from fish oil, and known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may relieve the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), researchers reported in the April 2004 issue of Prostaglandins Leukotrein Essential Fatty Acids.

The study authors treated chronic fatigue syndrome patients with an essential fatty acid supplement that contained high amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Treated patients experienced improvement in their symptoms within eight to 12 weeks.

The researchers concluded, "These results, which are consistent with a recent detailed report of cerebral and clinical changes associated with a high intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), suggest that this n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid may offer the hope of effective treatment for at least some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome."

Reference:

Puri BK. The use of eicosapentaenoic acid in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2004 Apr;70(4):399-401.

Key concepts: Fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, chronic fatigue syndrome