Summary
| Direction in ME/CFS | ↓ Reduced — lower than in the comparison group |
|---|---|
| Category | Mitochondrial |
| Also described as | Bioenergetic reserve |
| Compared against | HC, post-exercise (healthy controls, post-exercise) |
| Associated symptoms | PEM, cellular energy deficit |
| Test type | Blood test (serum / plasma / whole blood) |
| Source | Holden et al. 2020 — doi:10.1186/s12967-020-02477-4 |
| Condition atlas | ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas |
Related Mitochondrial markers in ME/CFS
- Mitochondrial membrane potential ↓
- Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity ↓
- Oxidative phosphorylation efficiency ↓
Full list: ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas.
Frequently asked questions
Is ATP production capacity high or low in ME/CFS?
Reduced. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report lower ATP production capacity in ME/CFS than in healthy controls, post-exercise. Source: Holden et al. 2020.
What symptoms is ATP production capacity associated with in ME/CFS?
The cited literature associates this marker with PEM, cellular energy deficit. These are population-level associations and do not mean the marker causes the symptoms.
Which test measures ATP production capacity?
It is measured as a blood test (serum / plasma / whole blood). Many of the cited studies used research-grade assays, so clinical availability may vary.
Is one abnormal ATP production capacity result diagnostic of ME/CFS?
No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of ME/CFS. ATP production capacity findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-29 · Page generated from me-cfs.json · Browse: ME/CFS atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages
Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.