Normal red cell magnesium concentrations & magnesium loading tests in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Red blood cell magnesium concentrations were measured in samples

from 89 patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for

chronic fatigue syndrome and the results compared to those

found in an age and sex matched group selected from the normal

population.

No significant difference was found. Six patients were

further investigated using a magnesium loading test to

determine if there was any evidence of magnesium deficiency

associated with this disorder. None was found.There is

therefore no indication for the use of magnesium therapy in

the management of this condition.

Hinds G, Bell NP, McMaster D, McCluskey DR