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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "Rheumatology International"; The Relationship Between Serum Trace Element Levels and Clinical Parameters in Patients With Fibromyalgia; O.F. Sendur et al.; 2008
- "Rheumatology International"; The Relationship Between Serum Trace Element Levels and Clinical Parameters in Patients With Fibromyalgia; O.F. Sendur et al.; 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Fibromyalgia: Treatments and Drugs
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Three Key Supplements for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder involving widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems and mood disturbances. It is not known what definitively causes this disorder, and right now, there is no cure. Treatments available, though, including over-the-counter supplements, to help relieve symptoms. If you have fibromyalgia, talk to your health care provider before taking any supplements to make sure they are safe and appropriate for you to use.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is needed by every organ in the human body. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that this mineral helps build strong teeth and bones; activates enzymes; plays a role in producing energy; and helps regulate calcium, copper, zinc and other nutrient levels 135. A 2008 study by O.F. Sendur and colleagues, published in the journal "Rheumatology International," found that individuals with fibromyalgia had significantly lower magnesium levels 2. According to UMMC, preliminary studies show that magnesium and malic acid may help relieve pain and tenderness in fibromyalgia patients when taken for at least two months. Study results have been mixed, and more extensive research needs to be done.
- Magnesium is a mineral that is needed by every organ in the human body.
- According to UMMC, preliminary studies show that magnesium and malic acid may help relieve pain and tenderness in fibromyalgia patients when taken for at least two months.
5-HTP
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The amino acid tryptophan is converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, and then converted into serotonin. Serotonin affects mood and behavior, and it is thought that 5-HTP may improve sleep, mood, anxiety and pain sensation, states UMMC. Individuals with fibromyalgia are sometimes prescribed antidepressants because lower levels of serotonin have been associated with the condition. According to UMMC, while not all studies have found the same results, some studies showed that 5-HTP eased fatigue, morning stiffness, pain and anxiety associated with fibromyalgia. Talk with your doctor before using this supplement, especially if you are already taking an antidepressant.
- The amino acid tryptophan is converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, and then converted into serotonin.
- According to UMMC, while not all studies have found the same results, some studies showed that 5-HTP eased fatigue, morning stiffness, pain and anxiety associated with fibromyalgia.
SAMe
The compound S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, is naturally found in nearly every tissue of the body. It helps break down neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and melatonin, among other things. When used as a supplement, SAMe may help relieve some symptoms of fibromyalgia, states Rxlist.com 4. It has been used to help treat depression and osteoarthritis and can help with similar symptoms in sufferers of fibromyalgia. UMMC states that injectable SAMe has been effective in helping reduce depressed mood, pain and fatigue, along with joint pain, in individuals with fibromyalgia. Talk to your doctor before using SAMe to treat any medical condition.
- The compound S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, is naturally found in nearly every tissue of the body.
- When used as a supplement, SAMe may help relieve some symptoms of fibromyalgia, states Rxlist.com 4.
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Along with these supplements, there are medications that may be helpful in easing symptoms of fibromyalgia. According to MayoClinic.com, other treatments include anti-seizure drugs to help reduce nerve pain, analgesics to loosen stiff joints and provide pain relief, and antidepressants to help with fatigue and depression 6. Talk therapy, getting enough sleep and regular exercise can also ease stress and provide fibromyalgia relief. What works for one patient may not be effective for another, so it is best to find what helps you the most.
- Along with these supplements, there are medications that may be helpful in easing symptoms of fibromyalgia.
- According to MayoClinic.com, other treatments include anti-seizure drugs to help reduce nerve pain, analgesics to loosen stiff joints and provide pain relief, and antidepressants to help with fatigue and depression 6.
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References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- "Rheumatology International"; The Relationship Between Serum Trace Element Levels and Clinical Parameters in Patients With Fibromyalgia; O.F. Sendur et al.; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: 5-HTP
- Rxlist.com: SAMe
- University of Maryland Medical Center: SAMe
- MayoClinic.com: Fibromyalgia: Treatments and Drugs
- Bellato E, Marini E, Castoldi F. Fibromyalgia syndrome: etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment [published correction appears in Pain Res Treat. 2013;2013:960270]. Pain Res Treat. 2012;2012:426130. doi:10.1155/2012/426130
- Walitt B, Nahin RL, Katz RS, Bergman MJ, Wolfe F. The Prevalence and Characteristics of Fibromyalgia in the 2012 National Health Interview Survey. PLoS One. 2015;10(9):e0138024. Published 2015 Sep 17. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0138024
- Armstrong DJ, Meenagh GK, Bickle I, Lee AS, Curran ES, Finch MB. Clin Rheumatol. 2006 Jul 19.[Epub ahead of print) Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Anxiety and Depression in Fibromyalgia.
- Bazzichi L, Giannaccini G, Betti L, Mascia G, Fabbrini L, Italiani P, De Feo F, Giuliano T, Giacomelli C, Rossi A, Lucacchini A, Bombardieri S. Alteration of Serotonin Transporter Density and Activity in Fibromyalgia . Arthritis Res Ther. 8.4 (2006): R99.
- Caruso I, Sarzi Puttini P, Cazzola M, Azzolini V. Double-Blind Study of 5-Hydroxytryptophan Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome. J Int Med Res. 18.3 (1990): 201-209.
- Erkal MZ, Wilde J, Bilgin Y, Akinci A, Demir E, Bodeker RH, Mann M, Bretzel RG, Stracke H, Holick MF. High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency, Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Generalized Bone Pain in Turkish Immigrants in Germany: Identification of Risk Factors. Osteoporos Int. 17.8 (2006): 1133-1140.
- Helliwell PS, Ibrahim GH, Karim Z, Sokoll K, Johnson H. Unexplained Musculoskeletal Pain in People of South Asian Ethnic Group Referred to a Rheumatology Clinic - Relationship to Biochemical Osteomalacia, Persistence Over Time and Response to Treatment With Calcium and Vitamin D. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 24.4 (2006): 424-427.
- Jacobsen S, Danneskiold-Samsoe B, Andersen RB. Oral S-Adenosylmethionine in Primary Fibromyalgia. Double-Blind Clinical Evaluation. Scand J Rheumatol. 20.4 (1991): 294-302.
- Plotnikoff GA, Quigley JM. Prevalence of Severe Hypovitaminosis D in Patients With Persistent, Nonspecific Musculoskeletal Pain. Mayo Clin Proc. 78.12 (2003): 1463-1470.
- Regland B, Andersson M, Abrahamsson L, Bagby J, Dyrehag LE, Gottfries CG. Increased Concentrations of Homocysteine in the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Patients With Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol. 26.4 (1997): 301-307.
- Tavoni A, Vitali C, Bombardieri S, Pasero G. Evaluation of S-Adenosylmethionine in Primary Fibromyalgia. a Double-Blind Crossover Study. Am J Med. 83.5A (1987): 107-110.
- Volkmann H, Norregaard J, Jacobsen S, Danneskiold-Samsoe B, Knoke G, Nehrdich D. Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Cross-Over Study of Intravenous S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine in Patients With Fibromyalgia. Scand J Rheumatol. 26.3 (1997): 206-211.
- Wahner-Roedler DL, Elkin PL, Vincent A, Thompson JM, Oh TH, Loehrer LL, Mandrekar JN, Bauer BA. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies by Patients Referred to a Fibromyalgia Treatment Program at a Tertiary Care Center. Mayo Clin Proc. 80.1 (2005): 55-60.
Writer Bio
Jaime Herndon has been writing for health websites since 2009 and has guest-blogged on SheKnows. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and women's studies, she earned a Master of Science in clinical health psychology and a Master of Public Health in maternal-child health. Her interests include oncology, women's health and exercise science.