MEDICAL MATTERS

  • Medical Matters features questions asked by Members of the ME Association on health-related topics.
  • Dr Charles Shepherd and the ME Association's other advisers answer these questions by sharing their expert knowledge.
  • Medical Matters is based on the popular ‘Ask the Doctor’ series in ME Essential magazine.
  • It is a free resource that supplements the detailed information contained in the full range of literature that can be found in the website shop.

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Questions in the Category: Amino acid

Treatments: Taurine supplement

ME Essential Spring 2024

I’ve just been reading some new research findings from a group in Canada who have found low levels of a chemical called taurine in people with Long Covid.

I’ve checked on the internet and found that taurine is being promoted as a treatment for fatigue and that you can purchase taurine supplements quite cheaply.

Could you explain what taurine is and does in the body and whether it could be a ‘breakthrough treatment ’for people with Long Covid and ME/CFS.

Treatment: Tryptophan

ME Essential Spring 2020

I’ve read that taking a tryptophan supplement is helpful for people with ME. Is this true? And are there any side-effects?

Treatment: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

ME Essential Winter 2019

An alternative health practitioner has recommended that I take a 5-HTP supplement for my muscle pain and headaches, but I’m very wary of upsetting my heart and nervous system – especially my heart rhythms which are all over the place at the moment. Is there any evidence that this supplement, which I had never even heard of, is both safe and effective for use in ME?

Charles Shepherd

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