Fibromyalgia can be a difficult, painful and tiring condition. As of the date of this publication, there's no known cure for fibromyalgia. Treatments such as medication and lifestyle changes may offer some relief from your symptoms. Additionally, certain dietary supplements such as magnesium malate can help. Consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplement to establish safety and appropriateness for your condition.
About Magnesium Malate
Magnesium malate is a combination of the mineral magnesium and malic acid, a compound that occurs as a part of your body's energy-producing cycle, known as the Kreb's cycle. It is found naturally in apples and some types of unripe fruit. In addition to energy production, magnesium is important for a number of biological processes, such as maintaining heart and muscle functioning. Malic acid is used mainly in energy production during the conversion of carbohydrates to energy. According to Tufts Medical Center, preliminary evidence has found that these two nutrients may provide specific benefits to patients suffering from fibromyalgia. You can purchase magnesium malate in powder, tablet and capsule form.
Benefits
Both magnesium and malic acid are thought to be useful for improving certain symptoms of fibromyalgia. They help to increase your body's production of adenosine triphosphate, also known as ATP, used by your body for energy. Some of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia are a lack of energy, fatigue and widespread bodily aches and pains. Magnesium and malic acid may also help to reduce symptoms of pain in patients with fibromyalgia.
Clinical Evidence
Two studies have shown potential benefits of magnesium malate for patients suffering from fibromyalgia. One study, published in 1992 in the "Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine," examined the effects of dosages of 1,200 to 2,400 mg of malate and 300 to 600 mg of magnesium over eight weeks on 15 patients with fibromyalgia. After 48 hours of the magnesium malate combination, patients reported subjective improvement of symptoms of pain. After the eight-week treatment period, the researchers and patients noted a significant improvement in tender points, or painful points located on your body that are typically associated with fibromyalgia.
Another study, published in the May 1995 issue of the "Journal of Rheumatology," treated 24 patients with fibromyalgia with Super Malic, a proprietary tablet containing 50 mg of magnesium and 200 mg malic acid. The researchers found no benefit after four weeks of treatment with an initial dosage of 1,200 mg of malic acid and 300 mg of magnesium. When the dosage was increased to 1,600 mg of malic acid and 400 mg of magnesium over a six-month period, however, patients reported a significant decrease in symptoms. The second round of treatment was not double-blind or placebo-controlled, so the results may not be reliable. More double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm the benefits of magnesium malate for fibromyalgia.
Considerations
While magnesium malate may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, the exact dosage for maximum effectiveness is not clear. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that patients with fibromyalgia may benefit from 200 mg of magnesium and 1,200 mg malic acid, three times daily. You should not use dietary supplements, however, to self-treat your symptoms. Consult your doctor to discuss the appropriate recommended dosage of magnesium malate for your condition.
References
- Tufts Medical Center: Malic Acid
- "Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Health"; Management of Fibromyalgia: Rationale for the Use of Magnesium and Malic Acid; G. Abraham and J. Flechas; 1992
- "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
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
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