Supplements for Fibromyalgia

Dr. Travell, Journal of Nutritional Medicine

Magnesium is often found to be deficient in people with Fibromyalgia/CFS(ME). In a study, 15 patients with fibromyalgia took supplements with 300 to 600mg daily of magnesium and 1200 to 1400mg per day of malic acid. Pain levels were greatly reduced. Benefits took some weeks or even months to be noticed.
This study replicates a previous study which showed that magnesium deficiency was a feature of many patients with Fibromyalgia and CFS.  Additional strategies of supplements for fibromyalgia patients that are recommended after clinical study include use of vitamin B3 and B6 which together with magnesium and tryptophan (obtainable from a good protein meal) are needed to manufacture serotonin.

The amino acids ornithine and arginine can be used to promote growth hormone production. Calcium and zinc supplements are found to help fibromyalgia sleep patterns return to normal. General nutritional status support can usefully include supplementation with B-complex and vitamin C as well as essential fatty acids derived from flaxseeds or evening primrose.
Dr. Travell has confirmed that a variety of factors can all help to maintain and enhance fibromyalgia trigger point activity: nutritional deficiency especially vitamins C, B-complex and iron; hormonal imbalances (low thyroid hormone production, menopausal or premenstrual situations); infections (bacteria, viruses or yeast); allergies (wheat and dairy in particular); low oxygenation of tissues (aggravated by tension, stress, inactivity, poor respiration).

References:
1. Abraham G et al Management of Fibromyalgia – rationale for the use of magnesium and malic acid Journal of Nutritional Medicine 3:49-59 1992
2. Travell J Simons D as cited previously