Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition involving widespread muscle pain and tenderness, affects 1 to 2 percent of the population, according to the American College of Rheumatology. Fibromyalgia is more common in women, and can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive problems, depression and anxiety, that can interfere with daily activities and even become debilitating. Although there are three Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications to treat fibromyalgia, there is no cure, so many patients utilize complementary and alternative medicines such as nutritional supplements to help relieve their symptoms.
Magnesium
Researchers trying to find new treatments for fibromyalgia believe that there is a link to magnesium levels and fibromyalgia, according to the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Magnesium plays several crucial roles in the body, including being involved with ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production which provides energy for the body, bone formation, muscle functions and regulation of nerves.
A magnesium deficiency can therefore cause symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive problems and pain. Magnesium deficiency is common due to a lack of dietary intake and factors that make that body lose magnesium at a higher rate, including high-fat diets, high stress levels and sleep deprivation. Taking magnesium supplements can therefore help to ease symptoms.
SAMe
SAMe, also known as S-adenosyl-L-Methionine, is a chemical compound that is similar the naturally produced SAMe derived from the amino acid methionine. The naturally occurring SAMe is important for maintaining cells, creating substances needed by the nerves, and controlling moods and emotions. Patients with fibromyalgia have a low level of SAMe, so supplementation can be helpful in alleviating symptoms such as pain, depression, anxiety and fatigue.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine is produced naturally by the body to help keep cartilage healthy and support the joints. Natural condroitin, an amino acid found within the cartilage of the joints, helps with water absorption and joint lubrication. Glucosamine and chondroitin taken as supplements can help to inhibit the enzyme lysosome which breaks down tissue around the joints. In addition, a clinical study featured by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements were able to reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis in 79 percent of the patients in the study. Because osteoarthrits and fibromyalgia both affect the joints and associated muscles, this shows promise for the use of these supplements.
Other Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils have anti-inflammatory properties, and can therefore help relieve inflammation and pain in the joints.
Vitamin B12 is essential for producing new red blood cells, proper nerve function and the production of DNA. Vitamin B12 supplements may help to relieve the pain and tenderness of fibromyalgia.
Vitamin D is important for building strong bones. A deficiency in vitamin D may be just one of the contributing factors to fibromyalgia that can lead to bone and muscle pain and weakness. Supplement to increase vitamin D levels can help to alleviate these symptoms.
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