Whether or not patients meet the official diagnostic criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the most common complaint in the doctor’s office is fatigue or lack of energy.

The universal energy molecule for the body is ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP stores energy created when the body burns carbohydrates and fats in the Krebs cycle. When the body needs energy, ATP is broken  down into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and energy is released. Since very small quantities of ATP are stored within the muscle cell, it must be constantly replenished.

In his book, The Doctors’ Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia, Dr. Sheldon Saul Hendler writes, "The primordial oceans on this planet were rich in magnesium and potassium. Sodium rules the seas today, but the waters within our cells remains true to the ‘primordial soup’ from which all life arose, rich in magnesium and potassium. Optimal health depends upon the maintenance of this condition."⁽⁵⁾

In both uncontrolled and double-blind studies totaling nearly 3,000 patients, 75-91% experienced pronounced relief of fatigue with supplements of potassium and magnesium aspartate. Using one gram of each salt daily, in divided doses, a beneficial effect was usually noted after 4-5 days, but sometimes 10 days were required. Usually patients continued treatment for 4-6 weeks and most patients continued to do well after supplementation was discontinued.⁽¹⁾

In a double-blind study of 145 patients, 85% of those given potassium and magnesium aspartates reported an increase in strength or physical activity, compared to only 9% of patients on the placebo. This study included patients whose fatigue had no somatic basis, as well as patients with fatigue associated with anxiety neuroses, gastrointestinal disturbances, menopause, the postpartum period and fatigue as a sequel to influenza.⁽²⁾

A placebo-controlled study involved 84 women and 16 men with persistent tiredness believed to be unrelated to depression. Some of the patients had been symptomatic for more than two years. The aspartates were administered to 6% of the group for 2 weeks and to 68% for 4-6 weeks. The remaining 26% received placebos. There was a positive therapeutic response, which  developed gradually over 4-10 days, in 87% of the aspartate treated patients. After 4-6 weeks, most improved patients stopped the supplements and continued to do well.⁽³⁾

In another double-blind study, 57 patients without demonstrable organic disease received potassium and magnesium aspartates, while 28 similar patients received a placebo. After four weeks 49 of the 57 patients (86%) in the experimental group felt better, were more able to cope with daily activities and were not fatigued beyond normal tiredness after a full day’s schedule, compared to 7 of 28 (25%) of controls. Response in the experimental group took about 4 days for full benefit and there was no evidence of central stimulation.⁽⁴⁾

Another group of 32 patients who complained primarily of fatigue, but who had an organic disease whose treatment had been stable for at least one month received potassium and magnesium in the standard dose and placebo in  a crossover trial for four weeks each. Fatigue was relieved in 21 of the 32 patients during aspartate treatment and 9 had a questionable response. After placebo substitution for four weeks, 3 of the 32 were relieved, 4 were questionable and 25 were unimproved. Results correlated with objective data obtained with the electronic rheotome. Those who were questionable responded to the first medication received, whether aspartates or placebo, and continued to respond after the crossover.⁽⁴⁾

A combination of magnesium and malic acid has also been recommended by health professionals for the treatment of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.

Reports from clinical experience using 300-600 mg. of elemental magnesium and 1200-1400 mg. of malic acid indicate that about 40% of the patients show some type of benefit. Fibromyalgia pain may respond in as little as 48 hours, while fatigue generally takes approximately two weeks.⁽¹¹⁾

Malic acid, found in various fruits, is an intermediate in the Krebs Cycle. It is required for the synthesis of ATP.

Magnesium is required for ATP synthesis and is a cofactor of more than 300 enzymatic reactions involving energy metabolism. A magnesium deficiency can result in muscle weakness, muscle fatigue, lack of coordination, loss of appetite and depression. Researchers at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom recently reported that patients suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) have low blood levels of magnesium and supplementation improves their energy levels and mood. Magnesium supplements also might reduce symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.⁽⁶⁾

There is some disagreement about magnesium deficiency in chronic fatigue patients, however; it is interesting to note that the symptoms of magnesium deficiency are the same as those associated with CFS. Magnesium has also been shown to be helpful in the treatment of viral and bacterial infections as well as in the treatment of candidiasis,⁽⁷⁾ which have also been implicated as a cause of CFS and CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

Magnesium is not a trace mineral but a major entity in the body. Most of it is in the bones and intracellular fluids. Magnesium is absolutely essential for life. It is necessary for every major biologic process including the metabolism of glucose, production of cellular energy and the synthesis of nucleic acids and protein.⁽⁵⁾

Aspartic acid, a non-essential amino acid, plays a vital role in metabolism. As a potassium or magnesium salt, it is useful in physiological cellular function.⁽¹⁰⁾ Intracellularly, aspartic acid is converted into oxaloacetate, an important substrate in the Krebs Cycle where food is converted into energy. It is also a carrier molecule for the transport of potassium and magnesium into the cell,⁽⁸⁾ as well as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Chronic fatigue may result from lowered cellular energy due to low levels of aspartic acid.⁽⁹⁾

L-aspartic acid combines with other amino acids to form molecules that absorb toxins and remove them from the bloodstream. It aids cell function and RNA/DNA formation.⁽⁹⁾ This amino acid also protects the liver by aiding in the removal of excess ammonia from the body. According to researcher and author Earl Mindell, aspartic acid increases stamina and endurance in athletes. This ability is thought to be a result of its role in clearing ammonia from the system.^(8,9)

Magnesium also enhances the transport of potassium into the cells. Malaise is probably the most common symptom of chronic potassium deficiency and muscular weakness is almost always noted.⁽⁸⁾

Potassium is important for a healthy nervous system and a regular heart rhythm. It aids in proper muscle contraction and works with sodium to control the body’s water balance. It is important for chemical reactions within the cells and aids in transmitting electrochemical impulses. It also regulates the transfer of nutrients to the cells.⁽⁹⁾

WARNING: The product contained in this publication has not been approved or evaluated by the Federal Drug Administration. This publication, and the products contained herein, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. The product relates to nutritional support only. This information is provided to licensed health care professionals only.