Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition characterized by achy pain affecting various muscles, excessive fatigue, headaches and sleeping difficulties. Vitamins are essential nutrients for life and health, and some of them appear to be particularly important for individuals with fibromyalgia, as they help improve common symptoms of this condition. If you are considering taking vitamins and other natural supplements for fibromyalgia, you should first consult with a health care provider.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced in your skin when exposed to sunlight and is also available is small quantities in foods. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be associated with fibromyalgia. A November 2010 study published in "The Journal of Pakistan Association" found that 80 percent of the participants were deficient in vitamin D. This study included 40 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and the authors noted that a shortage of this vitamin is often found in this condition as well as other musculoskeletal pain conditions.
Another reason to supplement with this vitamin is to prevent osteoporosis, a bone disorder that commonly occurs in patients with fibromyalgia, according to a study in the July 2000 issue of "Journal of Rheumatology."
Coenzyme Q10
Fibromyalgia sufferers may also be deficient in coenzyme Q10, according to study from a 2010 issue of "Neuro Endocrinology Letters." CoQ10 is a vitaminlike substance that has antioxidant qualities and plays an important role in the function of mitochondria, which is the energy source of every cell in your body. Further studies are warranted to evaluate potential benefits of supplementation with CoQ10 as a form of therapy for fibromyalgia.
Vitamin C
Although it is not well understood what exactly causes fibromyalgia, it has been observed that in some cases viral infections trigger symptoms of this disease. Vitamin C may help symptoms of fibromyalgia because has antioxidant properties, has an antiviral effect and increases your level of energy, suggests James Balch, M.D. and author of "Prescription For Nutritional Healing." Your body cannot manufacture this vitamin C in the body; it has to be obtained from dietary sources or supplements.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps boost the immune system and protects the cellular health from damage caused by free radicals, so it may be beneficial for managing fibromyalgia, indicates Dr. Balch. For optimal benefits, he recommends a combination of vitamin A and carotenoids, which are precursors of vitamin A.
Considerations
Consult a qualified professional to find out optimal dosages of these vitamins that may help better manage your condition. Keep in mind that vitamins do not replace and should not be used to replace conventional drugs prescribed for fibromyalgia.
References
- "The Journal of Pakistan Association"; Vitamin D Deficiency in Fibromyalgia; SA. Bhati et al; November, 2010
- "Journal of Rheumatology."; Fibromyalgia: a Risk Factor for Osteoporosis; RL Swezey et al; July, 2000
- "Neuro Endocrinology Letters"; Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia; MD Cordero et al; 2010
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James Balch, MD et al; 2002
- Merck Manual: Fibromyalgia
