Treatment Approaches
There are a number of key nutrient deficiencies that are common in POTS, ME/CFS and Long Covid. Identifying these is critical in developing a protocol that will support your mitochondrial (energy) function. By taking a deeper look at intracellular nutrients, it often reveals the root cause of symptoms.
Some of the key nutrient deficiencies often seen include:
Thiamine (B1) is essential for nerve function and blood pressure regulation. It has been referred too as a driver of Autonomic Dysfunction. Low B1 levels contribute to poor blood flow, dizziness, postural instability, nerve pain, muscle weakness, brain fog and more.
People with POTS, ME/CFS and Long Covid often show B1 deficiency, caused by a number of factors including, increased demand following stress or infection; increased sympathetic nervous system activity; poor absorption resulting from gut issues, low stomach acid and SIBO; genetic factors and poor dietary intake.
Protocols for addressing Thiamine Deficiency and essential co-factors have seen substantially improved health outcomes in many people living with POTS, ME/CFS and Long Covid.
B vitamins play a crucial role in POTS, ME/CFS, and Long COVID by supporting energy metabolism, nervous system function, and autonomic regulation. B12 and folate are essential for red blood cell formation, neurological health, and methylation, which impacts detoxification and neurotransmitter balance. B6 supports neurotransmitter production and nerve function, while B2 and B3 aid in mitochondrial efficiency and oxidative stress reduction. Given the high energy demands and autonomic dysfunction seen in these conditions, optimising B vitamin levels can improve symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, neuropathy, and poor circulation.
Iron is essential for supporting oxygen transport, energy production, and autonomic regulation. It is a key component of hemoglobin, allowing red blood cells to deliver oxygen to tissues, which is crucial for preventing fatigue, dizziness, and exercise intolerance. Iron also plays a role in mitochondrial function, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune health. Low iron, even without anemia, can contribute to brain fog, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, temperature dysregulation, and worsening autonomic symptoms, making proper iron levels vital for managing these conditions.
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), also known as ubiquinone or ubiquinol can impact fatigue levels, brain fog and circulation. Severe CoQ10 deficiency may lead to heart rate variability and arrhythmia, a major issue in POTS.
Amino Acid deficiencies in POTS, ME/CFS, and Long COVID can have significant impacts on muscle function, energy production, and overall cellular health. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, enzymes, and neurotransmitters, playing a critical role in muscle repair, immune system function, and cognitive health. In these conditions, chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, and poor recovery from exertion can be exacerbated by insufficient amino acids, particularly those involved in mitochondrial function, like branched-chain amino acids.
Taking a deep dive into how your body is handling nutrients, identifying potential absorption issues and discovering what might be getting in the way of your body making energy efficiently, is key to us developing your personalised protocol, as determined by your history, symptoms and lab findings.
POTS, ME/CFS and Long Covid are often misdiagnosed as lifelong conditions that need to be managed, but research and clinical experience prove that addressing root nutrient deficiencies can restore normal function.
If you’ve been struggling with POTS, ME/CFS and Long Covid, don’t settle for symptom management. Get tested, fix your deficiencies, and take back control of your health.
