 Fibromyalgia is a condition of constant pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, pain, disturbed sleep, and feeling depressed or anxious. Many people are turning to nutritional and herbal supplements for help. However, there's no good scientific evidence to prove that these supplements work for these symptoms. SAM-e, a compound our bodies make from an amino acid called methionine, may improve fibromyalgia symptoms of pain, fatigue, and depression. While the research results are encouraging, they are limited to a few studies. The typical dose of SAM-e for fibromyalgia is 800mg per day. Since SAM-e can interact with other medicines used for this condition, you should check with your doctor before starting this supplement. Some people use 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) supplements to help with fibromyalgia symptoms. One study indicates that 5-HTP helps to relieve pain, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems for people with the condition. This supplement appears to be safe, and side effects are rare when taken in recommended doses. But more studies are needed to prove the benefit of 5-HTP. If you want to try a 5-HTP supplement, choose one from a reputable company such as Natrol and GNC. Other nutritional supplements commonly used for fibromyalgia include magnesium, vitamins, and amino acids. Studies have shown that supplements with magnesium hydroxide and malic acid (a naturally occurring substance in our bodies) may help relieve pain and tenderness related to fibromyalgia. One theory suggests that people with fibromyalgia lack normal amounts of these two nutrients, which are important for normal muscle function. Examples of products with magnesium and malic acid are Preventive Nutrition Malic Acid Formula and Fibro Malic, Malic Acid and Magnesium Capsules.
Other alternative options include acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic or osteopathic care. Sources:
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Birdsall TC. "5-Hydroxytryptophan: A Clinically Effective Serotonin Precursor." Alternative Medicine Reviews, 3 (1998).
Juhl JH. "Fibromyalgia and the Serotonin Pathway." Alternative Medicine Reviews, 3 (1998).
Puttini PS. "Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan: A 90-day Open Study." Journal of Internal Medicine Res 20 (1992).
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Pharmacists Letter Inc., 2000.
Russell IJ. “Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome with Super Malic: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Crossover Pilot Study,” Journal of Rheumatology 22 (1995).
Diseases and Conditions, "Fibromyalgia." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/3/2007.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.
This answer prepared 5/24/2000.
This information updated 1/3/2007.
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