In the UK, around 400,000 people are living with ME/CFS, according to the ME Association, and it’s estimated to affect around 17 million people worldwide; yet it remains widely misunderstood. It’s frequently misdiagnosed, and while around 20% of patients receive a diagnosis within the first two years. Research suggests that for more than 12%, it can take over a decade. That’s an awfully long time to live with symptoms like exhaustion that isn’t improved by rest, brain fog, muscle pain, sleep disruption and digestive issues. To make things even harder, ME/CFS is an invisible illness, meaning family, friends and colleagues may not fully grasp what you're going through. Especially if you don’t yet have a formal diagnosis. While there’s no quick fix, there are supplements for ME/CFS that may help support your body and ease some of these symptoms. Whether you’ve been formally diagnosed or are still looking for answers.
Supplements for ME/CFS – are they worth taking?
ME/CFS is an extremely complex condition. As recently as 2022, a study showed that clinicians' ideas of what the disease is and how to diagnose and treat patients varied hugely. With no known cure, lots of people do their own research and try different treatments to help their symptoms. This might include supplements for ME/CFS, lifestyle changes, mindfulness, massage, the list goes on. There's no one size fits all approach and we certainly aren't claiming that supplements can 'cure' your symptoms. But there are aspects of the condition they could help with, which we're sharing in this blog.
One research area that keeps coming up is how the body produces and uses energy if you've got ME/CFS. Some studies suggest that people with ME/CFS may experience issues with mitochondrial function. The process your cells use to generate energy. Alongside this, increased oxidative stress and inflammation are also being explored as contributing factors to symptoms of this disease. This is where supplements for chronic fatigue syndrome come in. Not as a cure, but as a way to potentially support these underlying processes. Giving you a better baseline level of energy to start from.
Here are 6 supplements for ME/CFS that could help you:
1. CoQ10
When it comes to supplements for ME/CFS, CoQ10 is one of the most researched, and for good reason. It plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function, which is how your cells produce energy. By helping your body generate the fuel it needs to function. Some studies have found that people with ME/CFS may have lower levels of CoQ10, which has been linked to feeling tired and poor cognitive function. So it's definitely worth topping up if these symptoms are affecting you.
One study found that combining CoQ10 with NAD helped to reduce fatigue and improved quality of life in ME/CFS patients. If you want to see if CoQ10 could help you, the CoQ10 Plus patch is a great place to start. It also contains resveratrol and astaxanthin, powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells so they can generate energy more efficiently.
2. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
NAD is particularly interesting as one of your supplements for ME/CFS, because it supports cellular energy production. Something many researchers believe may be impaired if you have ME/CFS. NAD is a molecule found in every cell in your body and is essential for helping your mitochondria convert oxygen and nutrients into energy.
What makes the PatchMD NAD Total Recovery patch especially helpful is that it doesn’t just contain NAD. It also combines other nutrients that can be helpful for ME/CFS, including CoQ10, B12 for energy and cognitive function, acetyl-L-carnitine to support ATP production. Plus antioxidants like NAC, astaxanthin and alpha lipoic acid to help protect your cells from oxidative stress. Even better, you get all these goodies in one easy to use patch, instead of taking lots of separate supplements.
3. Vitamin B12, one of the best supplements for ME/CFS for brain fog:
Vitamin B12 is another nutrient you need to add to your supplements for ME/CFS list. Particularly if brain fog is what's bothering you most. B12 is essential for nerve function, red blood cell production, and energy metabolism. Low levels have been linked to fatigue, poor concentration and neurological symptoms, all of which are common in ME/CFS. The good news is, studies suggest that B12 supplementation may help improve fatigue and cognitive symptoms in some patients. So topping up could help you think more clearly again.
Our handy B12 Plus patch is a great way to increase your levels as it contains methylcobalamin, the active form of B12 that’s easier for your body to use. Alongside other nervous system boosting nutrients like folate and vitamin B6, which work together to support energy production. And because it’s delivered through your skin, it’s also a great option if you're living with any digestive issues that make oral supplements difficult to absorb.
4. Magnesium:
Magnesium is often recommended as one of the most helpful supplements for ME/CFS, because it’s involved in over 300 different processes in your body. From muscle relaxation, to nervous system regulation, and energy production – it can even contribute to how well you sleep. If you’re dealing with common ME/CFS symptoms like muscle aches, cramps, or poor sleep, magnesium is definitely worth looking into. Especially considering there is research that suggests magnesium deficiency could make fatigue and pain symptoms worse in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Which form of magnesium you take is really important. More bioavailable forms like glycinate, malate and threonate are often best. They’re easier for your body to use, so you feel more benefits. That's why these are included in our Tri-Mag Complex patch, which lots of our customers swear by to guarantee a good night's sleep. Oral magnesium can sometimes be hard on the stomach. Another reason to try patches instead – all the pros with no upset tummy!
5. Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is one of the most common deficiencies in the UK. And research suggests it's even more prevalent if you're living with ME/CFS. You need your daily D for everything from immune function, to inflammation regulation, muscle health and a steady mood, all areas that can be hit hard with ME/CFS. Some studies have found that low vitamin D levels are associated with increased fatigue and poorer quality of life in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
If your levels are low, topping them up could help reduce these kinds of symptoms. Our Multivitamin Plus patch is a great catch-all to keep all your essential vitamins and minerals where they should be, including vitamin D. Or, if you're looking for a more targeted approach, add the Vitamin D3 patch to add to your supplements for ME/CFS regime.
6. Omega-3, one of the best supplements for ME/CFS for inflammation:
Omega-3 fatty acids are best known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which is why they’re often recommended as one of the best supplements for ME/CFS to try. Researchers believe inflammation and an overactive immune response may play a role in chronic fatigue syndrome, so supporting these areas could help improve your overall wellbeing. Omega-3s are also important for brain function, heart health and healthy cell membranes; all things that can suffer when your body is under prolonged stress. Some research has even linked imbalances in essential fatty acids to fatigue and cognitive symptoms in ME/CFS patients.
And let’s be honest, swallowing giant fish oil capsules when you’re exhausted isn’t exactly appealing, especially if you’ve got a sensitive stomach or hate the taste. Thankfully the Omega-3 Plus patch offers a fab alternative. It delivers omega-3 steadily through the skin, alongside added vitamin E for antioxidant support. Perfect if you want to explore if Omega-3 could reduce your symptoms, but aren't keen on the oral supplement option.