Review and Hypothesis

Abstract

The latent tctany syndrome (LTS) parallels CFS in its neuro~nuscular and psychiatric manifestations, as well a s in inncr car disturbances: vestibular in CFS and FM, a s well as in LTS, and incrcascd vulnerability to noisc-induccd dcafncss in LTS. Microvas-Mildrcd Scclig is Adjunct Professor of Nutrition, Appreciation is cxpresscd to Harry Prcuss for suggesting that the author consider the possibility that magnesium deficiency might be a contributory factor in thc pa~hogcncsis of chronic fatiguc syndro~ne for a joint session of the ACN and the AACFS, Octobcr, 1996, and to Kay Franz for undc~.taking ;I litcrature search for her on CFS m d rcl;~tcd tlisortlcss.Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by Nanyang Technological University on 08/26/15For personal use only. JOURNAJd OF CHRONIC FATIGUE SWDROMEcular damage to the cochlea is seen in Mg deficiency, noisc-induccd deafness, and might be a factor in migraine and other severe headaches in both LTS and in CFS and FM. Abnormal sleep patterns occur in both LTS and CFS; impaired cognition more in CFS than in LTS. However, some brain and neurotransmitter dysfunctions seen with Mg dcficiency might be contributory to cognitive disorders of CFS. Mg loss caused by enhanced catecholamine release produced by stress may well be contributory to strcss-induced acute episodes of CFS. Malfunctions of the cellular and humoral immunological systems are caused by experimental Mg dcficiency. Whether allergies in CFS patients and abnormal response to antigenic challenge are results of low Mg remains to be provcn. Mitral valvc prolapse is secn in many LTS and CFS paticnts; whether a putative Mg deficiency predisposes to this abnormality is not known. Clinical improvement with Mg treatment has been proven in LTS, and seemed helpful in the rare cases of CFS and FM in whom it has been tricd. Thc Mg status should be determined in paticnt with CFS and FM, but methodology is a handicap. Serum Mg is an inaccurate index. Three methods show promise. Pcrccntagc retention of a Mg load is accurate but requires patient's coopcration. Free ionic Mg measurement requires ion-selective electrodes. Blood cell Mg is reliable in a littlc more than half the patients; sublingual ccll Mg sccms morc accuratc. Morc intcnsive, and controlled studies of the Mg status of CFS and FM patients, and of their response to Mg therapy is desirable. [Article copies availrrble for a feejonr The Howorth Docunrent Delrvery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-nmil nddrrss: ge~info@hawo~hpr~ssinc.conr/