Normal red cell magnesium concentrations and magnesium loading tests in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Ann Clin Biochem

SUMMARY. 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. Additional key phrases: atomic absorption spectrophotometry; packed cell volume; intravenous magnesium sulphate; urine magnesium excretion Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by a variety of symptoms but mainly fatigue and myalgia. 1-3 A previous study suggested that patients with CFS suffer from magnesium deficiencyand that replacement therap