Increased oxidative stress suggested by low serum vitamin E concentrations in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were determined in 50 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and 40 control subjects (Control). Prevalence of each or any coronary risk factor was not significantly different between CFS and Control. CFS had significantly lower alpha-tocopherol concentrations than Control. The concentrations were significantly lower in the subjects with any coronary risk factors than those without in CFS as well as Control. Even among the subjects with any coronary risk factors and also among those without, CFS had significantly lower alpha-tocopherol concentrations than Control. In conclusion, CFS had significantly lower alpha-tocopherol concentrations irrespective of coronary risk factors than Control, suggesting the presence of increased oxidative stress in CFS.