Fibromyalgia is a chronic, complex condition that can cause a significant disruption to your life and affect your overall sense of well-being. While a number of factors are thought to contribute to fibromyalgia, researchers have discovered a link between symptoms of fibromyalgia and deficits in iodine and selenium levels. A limited amount of research has found that selenium and/or iodine supplementation may provide benefits for symptom relief. Consult your doctor before using any dietary supplement.
Fibromyalgia and Nutrition
Fibromyalgia is characterized by the presence of a complex set of symptoms, including widespread, chronic muscle aches and pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome and sleep disorders. While certain influences, such as stress and immune system dysfunction, can contribute to or exacerbate these symptoms, certain nutritional deficiencies can also play a role. In her book, "Foods That Help Win the Battle Against Fibromyalgia," naturopathic doctor Deirdre Rawlings suggests that dietary changes and supplementation with specific nutrients that fibromyalgia sufferers are deficient in may help improve your health and aid in symptom recovery. Research has uncovered two possible nutritional deficiencies -- selenium and iodine -- that may play affect symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Significance of Selenium
Selenium is a mineral that is required to maintain proper health. It helps in the manufacturing of selenoproteins, antioxidant enzymes that help to fight cellular damage due to free radicals. Free radicals, present in pollutants like smog and cigarette smoke as well as naturally-occurring as a by-products from metabolism, are thought to contribute to the formation of certain chronic diseases. A study published in 2005 in the journal, "Rheumatology International" found that increased levels of free radicals may be responsible for the development of fibromyalgia. Additionally, an earlier study, published in the August 1998 issue of the journal, "Toxicology Letters," found significantly lowered levels of selenium in patients with fibromyalgia when compared to healthy controls. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that taking a daily multivitamin containing selenium may help to address nutritional deficiencies common in patients with fibromyalgia.
Importance of Iodine
Iodine is a trace element that plays an important role in the manufacturing of thyroid hormones. It is found in salt as well as certain foods like cod, eggs, milk, tuna and shrimp. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University states that iodine is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies around the world. Additionally, iodine deficiency may significantly contribute to the development of a number of physical and mental health conditions, including fibromyalgia, according to a 2008 article in the journal, "Medical Hypotheses." No studies as of the date of this publication have shown significant benefits of iodine supplementation in clinical settings. In a January 19, 2005 presentation for the Smart Life Forum, however, Dr. David Brownstein states that symptoms of fibromyalgia can be helped with iodine supplementation. More studies are needed to validate this claim.
Considerations
While certain dietary supplements may help symptoms of fibromyalgia, you should not attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat nutritional deficiencies. If you think you have fibromyalgia, consult your doctor. A number of treatments may provide benefits. Inform your doctor if you choose to use selenium or iodine supplements.
References
- "Foods That Help Win the Battle Against Fibromyalgia"; Deirdre Rawlings, ND; 2008
- "Rheumatology International"; Free Radicals and Antioxidants in Primary Fibromyalgia: An Oxidative Stress Disorder?; L. Tamer, et al.; 2005
- "Toxicology Letters"; Selenium Status in Fibromyalgia; R. Reinhard, et al.; August 1998
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Iodine
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Iodine Deficiency, More Than Cretinism and Goiter; R.H. Verheesen and C.M. Schweitzer; 2008
