Fibromyalgia is a complex condition characterized by a variety of symptoms, including widespread, chronic muscle aches and fatigue. Certain dietary supplements, like malic acid, may have a beneficial effect on pain and fatigue-related symptoms of fibromyalgia. Consult your doctor before using any dietary supplement.
About Malic Acid
Malic acid is a naturally-occurring substance that plays a crucial role in the formation of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, your body's primary energy source. According to the Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, high levels of malic acid are found in apples, explaining why malic acid is often also referred to as apple acid. Malic acid is also found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. In their book, "The Everything Health Guide To Fibromyalgia: Professional Advice to Help You Make It Through the Day," Winne Yu and Dr. Michael McNett explain that some experts believe patients with fibromyalgia have lowered levels of ATP, causing decreased levels of oxygen in their muscles, which can contribute to or exacerbate feelings of fatigue.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Treatments
While fatigue is one of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, chronic muscle pain, manifesting as "tender points" at specific spots above and below your waist and on the right and left sides of your body, headaches, cognitive problems, and sleep problems are also common symptoms. According to authors Yu and McNett, treating fatigue is one of the more difficult symptoms to treat. Since fatigue can be caused by a number of factors, it can be difficult to determine what type of medication is necessary to treat the underlying cause. Some doctors may prescribe antidepressants or other medications to improve sleep, while some may suggest herbal products and dietary supplements like malic acid to improve energy levels.
Clinical Evidence
A limited amount of clinical evidence supports the benefits of malic acid on symptoms of pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia patients. One study, published in the May 1995 issue of the "Journal of Rheumatology," noted an improvement in pain symptoms after several months of treatment with "Super Malic," a proprietary blend of magnesium and malic acid. Another study, published in 1992 in the "Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine," found significant improvements in the levels of pain in tender points when patients with fibromyalgia were treated with malic acid and magnesium over the course of eight weeks. According to Dr. Victor Sierpina and Dr. Ramona Carter in a 2002 review for the medical journal, "Clinics in Family Practice," 200 mg of magnesium twice daily combined with 1200 mg of malic acid once daily is thought to ease fatigue, pain and tenderness. More clinical studies are needed to fully evaluate the benefits of malic acid on symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Considerations
While it seems that malic acid may have a beneficial impact on certain symptoms of fibromyalgia, you should not use dietary supplements to self-treat your symptoms. Do not attempt to self-diagnose your condition. If you think you have fibromyalgia, consult your doctor. As with any dietary supplement, inform your doctor if you choose to use malic acid.
References
- Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento: Malic Acid
- "The Everything Health Guide To Fibromyalgia: Professional Advice to Help You Make It Through the Day": Winne Yu and Michael McNett, M.D.; 2006
- "Journal of Rheumatology"; Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome with Super Malic: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Study; I.J. Russell, et al; May 1995
- "Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine"; Management of Fibromyalgia: Rationale for the Use of Magnesium and Malic Acid; G. Abraham and J. Flechas; 1992
- "Clinics in Family Practice"; Alternative and Integrative Treatment of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Victor Sierpina, M.D. and Ramona Carter, M.D.; 2002
