9b. Fatigue Flashcards
Definition of fatigue
Physical and mental exhaustion not relieved by rest
What is fatigue the symptom of?
When energy demands exceed energy delivery
Dysfunction of cellular energy systems
What makes over 90% of the body’s energy?
Mitochondria
Which two metabolic processes result in mitochondrial energy?
Krebs cycle
Electron transport chain
What is the result of cells functioning slowly?
Organs function slowly
Leads to heart failure, dementia etc
What is the result of the immune system functioning slowly?
Slow healing and repair
Increased risk of infection, cancer
What are mitochondria highly susceptible to?
Nutrient deficiencies
Environmental toxins
Oxidative damage
Hyperglycaemia
Inflammation
Prescription drugs
Ageing
How does mitochondrial damage occur through oxidative stress?
Mitochondria produce ROS which leaks out of cells
Damage occurs when ROS production outpaces AO activity
How are mitochondria damaged by hyperglycaemia?
Hyperglycaemia induces superoxide production in the mitochondria
This initiates changes in the mitochondrial membrane that leads to mitochondrial dysfunction
How are mitochondria damaged by inflammation?
Inflammation can be raised by LPS leakage, pro-inflammatory diet, glucose dysregulation, raised homocysteine, smoking, obesity etc
Inflammatory mediators are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased ROS production
Primary enzymes/nutrients that protect mitochondria from oxidative stress
Superoxide dismutase (Mn)
Glutathione peroxidase (Se)
Glutathione reductase (B3)
Catalase (Fe)
CoQ10
Vit E
Nutrients needed for glycolysis
Mg
B3
Nutrients needed for acetyl-CoA production
B1
B5
Alpha lipoic acid
Nutrients needed for Krebs cycle
B1
B2
B3
Mn
Mg
Fe
Nutrients needed for electron transport chain
Fe, S, B2
CoQ10
Fe
Cu
Nutrient needed for the b-oxidation of fats
Carnitine
Nutrients needed to carry energy/ATP
B2
B3
Key strategies for improving mitochondrial function
Optimise nutrients for ATP production
Blood glucose regulation
Reduce inflammatory mediators
Decrease toxin exposure
Strength training
Role of CoQ10 in mitochondrial function
Transportation of electrons in ETC
Neutralising ROS
Dosage of CoQ10 for mitochondrial function
100-300mg/day
Role of ALA in mitochondrial function
Co-factor for several mitochondrial enzymes involved in glucose oxidation and ATP generation
AO
Dosage of ALA for mitochondrial function
300-600mg/day
Role of acetyl L-carnitine in mitochondrial function
Transport of long chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane
Dosage of acetyl L-carnitine for mitochondrial function
500-2000mg/day
Role of Mg in mitochondrial function
Transfers phosphate groups between ADP and ATP
Signs and symptoms of CFS/ME
Long-term physical and cognitive fatigue
Fatigue not alleviated by rest
Muscle and joint pain
Unrefreshing sleep
Flu-like symptoms
Possible causes of CFS/ME
Infectious organisms - EBV, herpes
Poor immune system
Abnormal HPA axis functioning
Mitochondrial dysfunction
