The "triggers" that initiate ME/CFS and other multi-system illnesses - Fibromyalgia (FM), Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), Lyme disease, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Gulf War Syndrome - are numerous and varied. However, because these diseases ultimately have consistent and often-overlapping symptoms, researchers believe there may be biochemical abnormalities common to all sufferers.

If a common biochemical abnormality can be identified, treatments directed toward this alteration might hasten resolution or at least provide significant improvement for those afflicted.

In the quest for a "unifying theory" of ME/CFS and related multi-system diseases, two models have emerged that have gained much scientific credibility. Research is revealing a connection between these complicated and misunderstood diseases and an equally complicated and misunderstood vitamin that may hold the key to improved health for many.

The Vitamin B-12 - ME/CFS/FM Connection

In searching for common biochemical threads among ME/CFS and FM victims, researchers have noted that symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency closely parallel those of ME/CFS and other multi-symptom diseases. In fact, symptoms overlap to such a great extent that many respected ME/CFS/FM researchers and physicians - including Drs. Paul Cheney, Charles Lapp, Kenny DeMeirleir, Jacob Teitelbaum, and Martin Pall - consider vitamin B-12 a mainstay of supportive treatment.

One study found improved energy levels even in people who were not deficient in vitamin B-12 but were administered the vitamin anyway. B-12 (2,500-5,000 mcg) administered every two to three days was associated with improvement in 50% to 80% of a group of people with ME/CFS. Most improvement was seen after several weeks of vitamin B-12 administration.

The Curious Symptoms of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

Best known for participating in the manufacture of red blood cells, B-12 is also needed for production and maintenance of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells, and for manufacture and maintenance of DNA. Participating in nearly every function of the body, vitamin B-12 deficiencies have widespread consequences.

Energy: Even minor deficiencies of vitamin B-12 can cause anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness.


The Nervous System: Deficiencies of B-12 can cause neurological changes including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, balance problems, depression, confusion, poor memory and Alzheimer's-like symptoms. Long-term deficiencies of B-12 can result in permanent impairment of the nervous system.


The Gastro-Intestinal System: B-12 deficiency can cause decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea or alternating constipation/diarrhea (also called Irritable Bowel Syndrome), weight loss and abdominal pain.


The Immune System: Vitamin B-12 is necessary for normal functioning of white blood cells. Studies show that B-12 helps regulate Natural-Killer T-cells and prevents chromosome damage.


The Cardiovascular System: Vitamin B-12 participates in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Elevated homocysteine levels are a known independent risk factor for heart attack, stroke and thrombosis. Without adequate B-12 levels, homocysteine levels typically rise.


Special Senses: Degenerative changes in the central nervous system caused by B-12 deficiency can also affect the optic nerve, resulting in blue-yellow color blindness.


Other Symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include sore mouth or tongue


In Infants and Children, signs of vitamin B-12 deficiency include failure to thrive, movement disorders, delayed development, and megaloblastic anemia.