CFS patients show immune dysfunction, including low NK cell activity, and the condition has been linked to high viral counts, especially Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Recent research confirms the elevated levels of Th2 cytokines in patients with CFS and prevailing Th2 inflammatory milieu, together with highly attenuated Th1 immune response1-3.
The proven ability of mushroom nutrition to promote a shift away from a Th2 dominant immune response and increase anti-viral activity makes it a natural source of support for CFS patients with good clinical results, including increased NK cell activity and improved lifestyle scores. Trametes versicolor mycelial biomass produced a 35% increase in NK cell activity in patients with mild CFS at a dose of 1.5-3g/day (more severe cases are reported to respond to higher dosages)4.
CLINICAL NOTE
CFS is a condition that responds well to a range of medicinal mushrooms with polysaccharide extracts giving particularly good results (1-3g/day).
REFERENCES
1. A formal analysis of cytokine networks in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Broderick G, Fuite J, Kreitz A, Vernon SD, Klimas N, Fletcher MA. Brain Behav Immun. 2010;24(7):1209–1217.
2. Plasma cytokines in women with chronic fatigue syndrome. Fletcher MA, Zeng XR, Barnes Z, Levis S, Klimas NG. J Transl Med. 2009;7:96.
3. High levels of type 2 cytokine-producing cells in chronic fatigue syndrome. Skowera A, Cleare A, Blair D, Bevis L, Wessely SC, Peakman M. Clin Exp Immunol. 2004;135(2): 294–302.
4. Pioneering work at Breakspear Hospital on Coriolus supplementation for CFIDS/ME patients. Mycology News. 2000;1(4):4.