We conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of essential fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in treating postviral fatigue syndrome, which affects many individuals after a viral infection.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled setup involving 63 adults, we administered a mixture of essential fatty acids to half of the participants while the other half received a placebo. Each person received eight capsules daily for three months, and we checked their overall condition, fatigue, and other symptoms at various points throughout the study.
Excitingly, we observed significant improvements among those taking the active treatment. After just one month, 74% of participants in the DHA group felt better compared to only 23% in the placebo group. That number rose to 85% at the three-month mark, indicating that while the placebo group reverted to their initial state, those receiving essential fatty acids continued to improve.
Additionally, we saw that the fatty acid levels in patients’ blood cells normalized with treatment, and there were no adverse effects reported. Overall, our findings suggest that DHA, as part of a broader essential fatty acid approach, is a safe and beneficial option for those suffering from postviral fatigue syndrome.