Is there a role for novel supplements in the management of fatigue in rheumatic diseases?

Abstract

Fatigue is a common symptom of rheumatic diseases and frequently persists even when patients are in a near-remission state. In seeking options to manage troublesome symptoms such as fatigue, complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are often used by patients despite a lack of evidence base behind such treatment strategies. CAM use is further promoted by social media and ‘influencer’ marketing without rigorous process to ensure scientific accuracy. One mechanism of recent interest in the CAM market is enhancing cellular pathways of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), purported to restore mitochondrial function. However, clinical trials of NAD+ pathway supplements lack rigorous trial design, many declare conflicts of interest, and safety data is limited. Ultimately, CAM use by our patients is unavoidable. To adequately inform patients about CAM, we need to keep updated on both the latest scientific literature and social media trends. In so doing, we can then propose to patients how standard-of-care therapies, evidence-based lifestyle modifications and CAM might safely and effectively integrate to form a treatment plan.