Missing or Malformed Glycoproteins May be Behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an illness of extrememembranes and are used in the body as a means
fatigue that may affect over 800,000 Americanof recognition “Hi, I’m part of you,
adults and can lead to extremely debilitatingdon’t attack me!”, and as a means
symptoms in some individuals. A diagnosis ofof communication, “Hey, stop spitting those
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is usually given after allchemicals at me, don’t you see I belong
other tests have failed to produce a measurablehere?”, or even “Yoh, this cell needs
or quantifiable problem. Most often the Chronicsome Vitamin C”. When these signaling
Fatigue Syndrome sufferer arrives with the chiefmolecules don’t function correctly the body
symptom of unexplained, persistent or relapsingbreaks down. Glycoproteins may be missing from
fatigue that is not due to ongoing exertion, is notthe cell surface or be malformed simply due to a
substantially alleviated by rest and has beenlack of raw materials for their construction. The
present for six months or more. Many Chronicraw materials of glycoproteins are called
Fatigue Syndrome patients notice that the everglyconutrients, which are found in small quantities
present fatigue results in a reduction of theiris many of our foods.
previous levels of occupational, education, and/orWithout the proper raw materials, such as the
personal activities.very essential glyconutrients, the body
The extreme fatigue of Chronic Fatiguecan’t function optimally. When not in optimal
Syndrome is most often accompanied by four orcondition many things begin to wear down -
more of the following symptoms1: impaired- Neurotransmitters fail to function properly
short-term memory or concentration, tender– this can result in problems with serotonin
lymph nodes in neck and under arms, multi-jointlevels and eventually lead to unrestful sleep2.
pain without swelling or redness, unable to recover- The immune system slows and weakens
well after exercising, sore throat, muscle pain,– the body is less able to fight off viral and
headaches and unrefreshing sleep. Additionally, it isbacterial infection (which may be a possible cause
thought that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may alsoof Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)2.
result in immune system dysfunction and- Inflammation and pain appear, also a problem
psychological depression2.showing up when the proper glycoforms are not
The exact cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ispresent2.
not clear. However, it is commonly thought toMany of the symptoms associated with Chronic
have some relationship to one or possibly moreFatigue Syndrome can be traced back to a lack
of the following: chronic and reactivated viralof the essential glyconutrients that the body
infections, toxic exposure, chemical and foodneeds on a regular basis. The real possibility exists
sensitivities, stress and nutritional deficiencies.that by supplying the body with the required
Many practitioners and researchers are currentlyglyconutrients many of the symptoms of Chronic
honing in on the possibility that nutrition and dietFatigue Syndrome may be alleviated.
can help decrease symptoms of Chronic Fatigue1.Jason, L.A., Taylor, R.R. & Stepanek, Z.
Syndrome. The major focus is on eight essential(2001). Attitudes regarding chronic fatigue
sugars, known as glyconutrients. If symptoms ofsyndrome: the importance of a name. Journal of
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are evaluated in theHealth Psychology 6(1):61-71.
proper context, it will be noted that most have a2. GLYCONUTRITIONAL IMPLICATIONS IN
common component broken or missingFIBROMYALGIA AND CHRONIC FATIGUE
glycoproteins.SYNDROME. [
Glycoproteins lie on the surface of cellAuthor(s): Tom Gardiner, Ph.D.