Fibromyalgia affects about two percent of the population, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is a complex disease with a variety of symptoms and may accompany another condition such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. There are many theories and studies aimed at trying to figure out what causes and what treats fibromyalgia. The link between a zinc deficiency and those suffering from fibromyalgia is promising for researchers attempting to find solutions.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by wide spread pain and fatigue. It occurs more often in women than men, and the risk increases with age. Individuals with fibromyalgia usually have sleep disorders--the most common form depicted by an absence of deep restorative sleep. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and there is no cure. Treatments range from prescription medications, such as antidepressants, to over-the-counter pain relievers to nutrition and exercise.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential nutrient for life. It plays an important role in growth and development, neurology and reproduction, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Enzymes depend on zinc for vital chemical reactions while proteins and cell membranes rely on it for their structure. Adequate intakes of zinc are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the immune system and preventing susceptibility to a variety of infections.
Studies
A pilot study conducted by Dr. Jon Russell and published by the American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association investigated the possibility that zinc has a direct role with the pain associated with fibromyalgia. The level of zinc in the blood has been connected to pain in animals. Zinc levels were found to be lower in those with fibromyalgia. While results show zinc is related to the process of pain, it cannot yet be determined if zinc supplements would help symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Significance
Muscle and tissue pain from fibromyalgia intensify the sleep disturbances associated with the condition. According to Dr. Lynn Toohey, this interrupted sleep decreases growth hormone production. Growth hormones are responsible for repairing the tiny tears in tissues that happen every day. Fibromyalgia patients are more susceptible to these tears. Zinc helps to release growth hormones, accelerate healing time and regulate muscle contractions.
Considerations
Contact your doctor if you think you have fibromyalgia or are deficient in zinc. Pain and fatigue are not the only symptoms of fibromyalgia, and it can be a difficult condition to accept. Depression and frustration often accompany the mystery of fibromyalgia, but typically it is only the painful symptoms that are treated. More studies need to be done to determine the cause and therefore the best treatment options.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Fibromyalgia
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute: Zinc
- The Fibromyalgia Newsletter: Zinc?
- The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association: Recently Published Abstracts of AFSA-Funded Studies: The Role of Zinc in Fibromyalgia (FMS) Pain -- A Pilot Study
- Nutri-West: Complete Fibro-M
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