Antioxidants for ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Long COVID
Antioxidants are the body's natural defenders, fighting off harmful invaders called free radicals. For individuals with chronic conditions like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and long COVID, antioxidants may play a critical role in alleviating symptoms and supporting recovery. This guide explores how antioxidants work, their benefits, and how to choose the best supplements.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cells, tissues, and DNA. These free radicals are formed both naturally in the body and from external sources like pollution, UV rays, and unhealthy diets.
How Antioxidants Work
Think of free radicals as "troublemakers" and antioxidants as the "police." Antioxidants stabilize free radicals by donating an electron, preventing them from causing cellular chaos. This helps maintain the body’s balance and protects cells from oxidative stress.
The Role of Antioxidants in ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Long COVID
Chronic conditions like ME/CFS and fibromyalgia are often characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation, making antioxidants essential for symptom relief.
Benefits of Antioxidants:
Reduce Inflammation: Combat the chronic inflammation common in post-viral conditions.
Support Immune Function: Strengthen the immune system to fight recurrent infections.
Aid Cellular Repair: Neutralize free radicals, aiding in recovery from viral damage.
Common Antioxidants for Chronic Conditions:
NADH
CoQ10
Acetyl-L-carnitine
Vitamin C
Selenium
Alpha-lipoic acid
Antioxidants in Food: The Best Source
While supplements can help, antioxidant-rich foods should be the cornerstone of an anti-inflammatory diet.
Foods High in Antioxidants:
Fruits & Vegetables: Berries, spinach, kale, and citrus fruits.
Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds.
Herbs & Spices: Turmeric, cinnamon, and oregano.
Beverages: Green tea and herbal teas.
Incorporating a variety of colorful plant-based foods ensures a steady supply of antioxidants to combat oxidative stress naturally.
Choosing the Best Antioxidant Supplements for ME/CFS
For those with chronic conditions, supplementation can be beneficial, but not all antioxidants are created equal. Here’s what to consider before choosing a product:
1. Chemical Form
Look for the most bioavailable forms, such as ubiquinol for CoQ10 or liposomal vitamin C.
Avoid cheaper, less effective forms like ascorbate or ubiquinone unless specifically advised.
2. Dose
Ensure you’re taking a therapeutic dose, not just the minimal dose suggested on the bottle.
For example, studies showing antioxidant benefits often use doses higher than those found in over-the-counter supplements.
3. Bioavailability
Check whether the supplement can be absorbed effectively.
Poor bioavailability is a common issue with antioxidants. Liposomal formulations enhance absorption significantly.
4. Formulation
Tablets: Poor absorption and often include fillers.
Capsules: Easier to digest and absorb.
Liquids: Best for bioavailability, especially liposomal antioxidants.
5. Targeting Neuroinflammation
If treating brain fog or neuroinflammation, only liposomal antioxidants can cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver effects.
Antioxidant Supplements: What to Look For
When considering antioxidant supplements for chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, quality matters. Look for products that meet the following criteria:
High bioavailability (liposomal or nanoparticle technology).
Tested for purity and quality by third-party labs.
Sourced from reputable brands with transparent ingredient lists.
Are you taking an antioxidant to treat brain fog and neuroinflammation? If it isn’t liposomal, there is zero chance that the product is crossing through the blood-brain barrier to reduce brain fog. Only liposomal formulations have any chance of reaching the brain.
Save your money and choose your products wisely. Most supplements are ineffective, poorly made, and of questionable quality. I thoroughly vet all supplements before writing about them, before taking them myself, and before recommending them to you.
Bottom Line: Antioxidants for Chronic Conditions
Antioxidants are crucial for reducing oxidative stress, combating inflammation, and supporting immune function in chronic conditions like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and long COVID. While supplements can be beneficial, prioritize a diet rich in antioxidant foods to ensure long-term health benefits.
Key Takeaways:
Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts into your daily diet.
Choose high-quality supplements, focusing on bioavailability and therapeutic dosing.
For brain fog, opt for liposomal antioxidants capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen.
References
Weigel B, Eaton-Fitch N, Passmore R, Cabanas H, Staines D, Marshall-Gradisnik S. A preliminary investigation of nutritional intake and supplement use in Australians with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and the implications on health-related quality of life. Food Nutr Res. 2021;65:10.29219/fnr.v65.5730. Published 2021 Jun 7. doi:10.29219/fnr.v65.5730
Maksoud R, Balinas C, Holden S, Cabanas H, Staines D, Marshall-Gradisnik S. A systematic review of nutraceutical interventions for mitochondrial dysfunctions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. J Transl Med. 2021;19(1):81. Published 2021 Feb 17. doi:10.1186/s12967-021-02742-4
Campagnolo N, Johnston S, Collatz A, Staines D, Marshall-Gradisnik S. Dietary and nutrition interventions for the therapeutic treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a systematic review. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2017;30(3):247-259. doi:10.1111/jhn.12435 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5434800/#jhn12435-bib-0012
Akanchise T, Angelova A. Potential of Nano-Antioxidants and Nanomedicine for Recovery from Neurological Disorders Linked to Long COVID Syndrome. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023;12(2):393. Published 2023 Feb 6. doi:10.3390/antiox12020393 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9952277/
