Nicolaas
Member
I suffer from ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity since 1989.
For decades now I had to keep my fat intake as low as possible, because my liver would protest fat in my diet and it would cause me extreme exhaustion.
Because of my very low level of fat intake, I ran into omega-3 deficiency in the long run. (Dry, red eyes and a blistering lip that just would not heal)
I discovered that I had a huge problem metabolizing saturated long chain fatty acids, so giving up on fish oil, I tried algae oil as omega-3 supplement and found that I cannot metabolize UNsaturated long chain fatty acids either. Just taking one capsule caused me extreme exhaustion.
I am allergic to a lot of omega-3 sources, so the only viable option for me is to eat broccoli - and since broccoli is not all that high in omega-3 I should aim for 630 grams of broccoli per day. Fortunately, I digest broccoli very well!
Perplexity AI suggested I should try MCT oil (Medium Chain Triglyceride oil) for energy, since it consists of medium chain fatty acids only and my liver would find it very easy to metabolize.
It works great for me! Finally, I have a lot more energy. Along with a huge increase in broccoli intake, I started using MCT oil on the 24th of July 2025 and it is still going very well.
I add a teaspoon of MCT oil to my food each time I eat and I add one or two teaspoons to my 2-liter flask of water that I drink throughout the day.
I don't know to what extend my situation might be unique or to what extend this info might help someone else.
To sum up: I found success in cutting out long chain fatty acids as much as possible and replacing it with Medium Chain Triglyceride oil, while eating a LOT of broccolis to supplement Omega-3 which is usually found in sources that consist of long chain fatty acids.
My level of functioning: Before restricting my fat intake, years ago I was unable to work and unable to exercise at all. After restricting my fat intake, I was able to exercise and jog a few kilometers every other day and I was able to work during summer, but my energy would go down too low to work in winter.
I live in the Southern Hemisphere, so this past month was still winter time in South Africa - but now, taking MCT oil helps me to have the same energy level as in summer.
For decades now I had to keep my fat intake as low as possible, because my liver would protest fat in my diet and it would cause me extreme exhaustion.
Because of my very low level of fat intake, I ran into omega-3 deficiency in the long run. (Dry, red eyes and a blistering lip that just would not heal)
I discovered that I had a huge problem metabolizing saturated long chain fatty acids, so giving up on fish oil, I tried algae oil as omega-3 supplement and found that I cannot metabolize UNsaturated long chain fatty acids either. Just taking one capsule caused me extreme exhaustion.
I am allergic to a lot of omega-3 sources, so the only viable option for me is to eat broccoli - and since broccoli is not all that high in omega-3 I should aim for 630 grams of broccoli per day. Fortunately, I digest broccoli very well!
Perplexity AI suggested I should try MCT oil (Medium Chain Triglyceride oil) for energy, since it consists of medium chain fatty acids only and my liver would find it very easy to metabolize.
It works great for me! Finally, I have a lot more energy. Along with a huge increase in broccoli intake, I started using MCT oil on the 24th of July 2025 and it is still going very well.
I add a teaspoon of MCT oil to my food each time I eat and I add one or two teaspoons to my 2-liter flask of water that I drink throughout the day.
I don't know to what extend my situation might be unique or to what extend this info might help someone else.
To sum up: I found success in cutting out long chain fatty acids as much as possible and replacing it with Medium Chain Triglyceride oil, while eating a LOT of broccolis to supplement Omega-3 which is usually found in sources that consist of long chain fatty acids.
My level of functioning: Before restricting my fat intake, years ago I was unable to work and unable to exercise at all. After restricting my fat intake, I was able to exercise and jog a few kilometers every other day and I was able to work during summer, but my energy would go down too low to work in winter.
I live in the Southern Hemisphere, so this past month was still winter time in South Africa - but now, taking MCT oil helps me to have the same energy level as in summer.
![ME/CFS lecture | Dr Nancy Klimas | 2011 [Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / SEID / New Zealand] - YouTube](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
