Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes muscle pain, fatigue, memory issues and skin sensitivity. Anxiety, depression, sleeping problems and irritable bowel syndrome are also commonly associated with fibromyalgia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you are considering taking vitamins or changing your diet to improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, first talk to your health care provider.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is common in individuals with fibromyalgia, particularly those who have anxiety and depression associated with this condition, according to a study published in the April 2007 issue of "Clinical Rheumatology." In this study, 13 percent of the participants were deficient in this vitamin and 56 percent had insufficient blood levels of vitamin D. Although the authors did not find the exact reason why fibromyalgia is linked with low levels of vitamin D, they suggest that a shortage of vitamin D will likely have a negative long-term impact on the bone health in fibromyalgia sufferers.
Antioxidant Vitamins
Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins C and E may be indicated in fibromyalgia, suggests a research team in a study published in a 2006 issue of "Redox Report." The authors found that individuals with this condition have high levels of oxidative stress, which may be responsible for the development of fibromyalgia. Oxidative stress is a process caused by free radicals and results in cellular damage. Antioxidant vitamins like C and E help prevent oxidative stress.
Multivitamin Formula
Ask your doctor for a blood test to see whether or not you have any nutrient deficiency. UMMC advises correcting possible nutrient deficiency associated with fibromyalgia by supplementation with a vitamin complex formula that should include vitamins A, B, C, E and D.
Nutrition
A healthy diet may help improve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Removing food allergens from your diet, particularly wheat, corn, soy, milk and other dairy products, is indicated. Increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, while reducing red meats, may be beneficial. Also avoid refined carbohydrates and food additives. Choose healthy oils like olive oil and eliminate fried and processed fatty foods, suggests UMMC.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care provider who can provide you with the optimal dosage of vitamins and who can also recommend a healthy, balanced diet. Regular exercise, herbs and homeopathic remedies may also be beneficial and can be added as an adjunct natural treatment. Keep in mind that supplements and diet may help reduce your symptoms, but do not replace any conventional drugs that you may use for this condition without speaking first to your doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
- "Clinical Rheumatology"; Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Anxiety and Depression in Fibromyalgia; D.J. Armstrong, et al.; April 2007
- "Redox Report"; Total Antioxidant Capacity and the Severity of the Pain in Patients With Fibromyalgia; O. Altindag, et al.; 2006
