Fibromyalgia is a pain disorder that mainly affects women between the ages of 40 and 60.
The pain is long-lasting (longer than 3 months), affects several parts of the body and severely limits the quality of life. The pain is often perceived as muscle pain.
In addition to pain, people with fibromyalgia often suffer from sleep disorders, concentration problems, tiredness, exhaustion and depressive moods. Hypersensitivity to touch, smells and noises also often occurs.
The cause of fibromyalgia is not clearly understood, but certain factors seem to promote the disease:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondriopathy)
- stress
- Depression
- Inflammatory diseases and rheumatism
- Smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and other bad lifestyle habits
The therapy involves moderate physical activity such as cycling, swimming and walking. Relaxation techniques, yoga and behavioral therapy can also have a positive effect on the symptoms.
The medications used are mainly antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs.
In addition, micronutrients can support the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is needed to generate energy in the mitochondria – the power plants of our cells. Coenzyme Q10 is also an important antioxidant in the body.
People with fibromyalgia often have low levels of coenzyme Q10. A small study suggests that taking coenzyme Q10 may actually be helpful for fibromyalgia. Pain decreased and coenzyme Q10 seemed to have a positive effect on sleep quality and fatigue. [1]
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is important for the function of the mitochondria. It is needed for the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria. L-carnitine also supports the detoxification of the mitochondria. L-carnitine also has an antioxidant effect and can protect nerve cells from oxidative damage.
A carnitine deficiency can cause muscle pain. In one study, L-carnitine was able to relieve muscle pain. General well-being and mental health also improved. [2]
Vitamin C
Fibromyalgia patients who consume a lot of vitamin C through their diet have fewer symptoms than those who consume less vitamin C. People with fibromyalgia also have high levels of oxidative stress and free radicals. [3]
It is therefore reasonable to assume that those affected could benefit from taking vitamin C.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects and can relieve inflammatory pain. [4] In one case study, fibromyalgia pain also subsided after taking omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has an immune-regulating and anti-inflammatory effect. People with fibromyalgia are particularly often affected by vitamin D deficiency. The severity of the disease also seems to correlate with the extent of the deficiency.
Smaller studies suggest that vitamin D may reduce pain and improve depressive mood in fibromyalgia. [5] However, further research is needed.
magnesium
Magnesium is essential for muscle and nerve function. It also has antispasmodic properties and can relieve muscle cramps. It can also counteract pain because it inhibits a pain-promoting neurotransmitter. Magnesium also plays an important role in energy production in the mitochondria.
People with fibromyalgia often do not have enough magnesium. In addition, magnesium deficiency in fibromyalgia appears to increase symptoms such as fatigue.
In a small study, magnesium was able to relieve pain. [6] However, more research is needed.
Conclusion: Fibromyalgia lacks many nutrients
People with fibromyalgia are often not getting enough essential nutrients. A good supply of anti-inflammatory nutrients in particular seems to be important for fibromyalgia and can potentially help to alleviate the symptoms.
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24525646/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25786048/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24373371/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17335973/
