Mitochondrion

Mitochondria are organelles found in of the cells in the human body. They generate most of a cell's energy or ATP. Mitochondria have their own independent genome called mitochondrial DNA.

Chronic fatigue syndrome
There is evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients. Muscle biopsies have shown evidence of mitochondrial degeneration, deletions of mitochondrial DNA , the reduction of mitochondrial activity , and Sarah Myhill found measurable mitochondrial dysfunction correlating with severity of illness.

Mitochondrial disorders can be mistaken for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

There is evidence of genetic risk factors for mitochondrial dysfunction, in related diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, POTS and dysautonomia

ME/CFS Research
In March 2016, it was announced that the ME/CFS Severely Ill, Big Data Study had a significant result in the area of mitochondria. This resulted in the addition of Robert Naviaux (a mitochondrial expert) to the research team.

Potential treatment
Garth Nicolson has proposed that mitochondrial lipid replacement therapy can ameliorate mitochondrial related fatigue using a proprietary blend of phospholipids called NT Factor.

Courtney Craig has proposed treatment of mitochondrial damage in ME/CFS patients using fasting, caloric restriction and a ketogenic diet.

Learn more

 * Wikipedia - Mitochondrion
 * ME Association to fund fourth study into the role of the mitochondria in ME/CFS (ME Association)
 * CFS - The Central Cause - Mitochondrial Failure (Sarah Myhill)