Dr Lapp's Recommendations on Supplements
He has found 10 supplements that qualify. The first six described below are useful for many people with ME/CFS or FM. The first five together cost together about $20 a month and the sixth about $25 a month. The remainder are used for specific purposes; he recommends them for only some patients.
1) Multi-vitamin To optimize overall health, he recommends using a multi-vitamin that includes B complex, folate, vitamin D, calcium and magnesium. 2) B12 He recommends the injectible form and says that up to 80% of people with CFS/FM who use it experience a 10% to 15% energy boost. If parenteral B12 is not an option, consider oral methyl-cobalamin at 1000 to 5000 mcg daily. 4 & 5) Calcium and Magnesium The recommended calcium dosage is 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg daily, the amount available in two Tums tablets. The magnesium dosage he recommends is 500-750 mg daily, but magnesium is inappropriate for those with kidney disease and may cause diarrhea. People often take these two together in a calcium-magnesium tablet. 6) D-Ribose This is a naturally-occurring sugar used in cell metabolism and the production of energy. It is metabolized differently from table sugar and has little effect on blood sugar levels or diabetes. The dose is 5000 mg three times daily for two weeks, then 5000 mg twice daily. Results are usually obvious within three weeks. 7) NADH This substance, often used with the next item, helps increase ATP in mitochondria. It takes three to six months to produce a response and the response is often subtle. It is available in 10, 20, and 25 mg sizes. 8) Acetyl-carnitine This supplement is often used with NADH to increase energy production. Since acetyl-carnitine is frequently low in brain tissue, many believe that supplementation may improve cognition. Dr. Lapp recommends a dosage of 1,000 mg twice a day. 9) DHEA This supplement can help with energy level and libido. It is not needed if a person is already taking estrogen and/or testosterone via hormone replacement therapy. Side effects may include oily skin, acne and excessive hair growth. Dr. Lapp recommends 25 to 50 mg daily for women and 50 to 100 mg for men. 10) Lysine This supplement can be used to reduce the frequenty and severity of herpetic mouth ulcers (mouth sores). The recommended dosage is 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day.
Note: Before you start taking a supplement, check with your doctor. She can take into account your individual situation, something not possible with the general advice offered in this article.
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