Role of Nutritional Factors, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Altered Body Composition and Various Biological Factors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Fatigue is a prevalent complaint among individuals, characterized by a decline in energy levels, mental and physical fatigue, reduced stamina, and longer recovery time following exertion. While the root cause of tiredness remains unclear, it is typically associated with illness. Although tiredness is not exclusively linked to a particular condition, mitochondrial malfunction is a common contributor to exhaustion, indicating that mitochondrial dysfunction may be a biological factor that causes fatigue. Additionally, factors such as mitochondrial energy metabolism, immunological response, and genetics can also play a role. However, the absence of a standard methodology for assessing fatigue and a limited understanding of its pathophysiology pose challenges for diagnosing fatigue in clinical settings but a detailed studies suggests a number of marginal nutritional deficiencies may have etiologic relevance. Throughout life, significant changes in body composition occur, with the most notable being a decrease in lean body mass and an increase in body fat as we age. These changes have a profound impact on the development of frailty in older adults. Frailty is a complex condition that reduces patient’s homoeostatic reserves, making them more susceptible to shocks.

In this review, we present an overview on the mechanisms that may mediate fatigue levels, with a special focus on nutritional and vitamin supplement.