Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects an estimated one out of every 50 individuals in the United States, according to the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine (NCCAM). Fibromyalgia sufferers experience symptoms such as widespread muscle pain, extreme fatigue, cognitive impairment and pressure-sensitive spots called "tender points." Typical treatments for fibromyalgia include pain medications, sleep aids and massage therapy. However, when traditional treatments fail, many frustrated fibromyalgia sufferers turn to herbal supplements like magnesium in hopes of finding relief.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral that contributes to a wide range of bodily functions. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, magnesium plays a significant role in muscle, nerve and immune function, and in the production of energy. Magnesium helps your body to maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It also helps to regulate important processes like energy metabolism and protein synthesis.
Benefits
While low magnesium is neither a cause nor a result of fibromyalgia, increasing your magnesium intake may help bring you some relief from your symptoms. According NCCAM, magnesium supplements are commonly used by fibromyalgia sufferers as an alternative to traditional treatments. Some research studies indicate that magnesium may help to ease muscle pain and improve impaired cognitive function in people with fibromyalgia. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 200mg of magnesium a day to help manage fibromyalgia symptoms. However, while studies investigating the benefits of using magnesium to treat fibromyalgia have been promising, research does not prove conclusively that increasing your magnesium intake is effective in relieving fibromyalgia symptoms.
Complementary Supplement
Some research studies suggest that malic acid may be effective in relieving some fibromyalgia symptoms when used in conjunction with magnesium. Like magnesium, malic acid also plays an important role in energy production. Your body uses malic acid during a process that converts glucose and fat into cellular energy. However, while studies investigating the benefits of using malic acid along with magnesium to treat fibromyalgia have been promising, research does not prove conclusively that the combination is effective in relieving fibromyalgia symptoms.
Sources of Magnesium
Magnesium is widely available as an oral dietary supplement. Another way to increase your magnesium intake is to add magnesium-rich foods to your daily diet. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, magnesium is abundant in leafy green vegetables like spinach and in legumes like peas and beans. You can also find high levels of magnesium in whole grain products, seeds, nuts and in tap water.
Warning
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, people with kidney disease may have difficulty eliminating excessive levels of magnesium. Therefore, if you suffer from fibromyalgia and kidney disease, talk to your doctor first before taking magnesium supplements to treat your fibromyalgia symptoms. You should also talk to your doctor before taking malic acid if you are already on a magnesium regimen.
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