Role of micronutrients in the symptoms of fibromyalgia: a review of the literature and analysis of an Italian female sample.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the role of vitamin D and other micronutrients in alleviating symptoms of fibromyalgia, particularly in physical function and stiffness.
Results Summary
The study found that vitamin D deficiency appears to play a role in fibromyalgia symptoms, mainly affecting physical function and stiffness. The literature review supported these findings but noted limited studies on the topic.
Population
Italian female patients with fibromyalgia (n=20).
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
vitamin D supplementation | decrease | fibromyalgia symptoms | patients with FM | - | seem to provide promising results | #1 |
vitamin B12 supplementation | decrease | fibromyalgia symptoms | patients with FM | - | seem to provide promising results | #2 |
magnesium supplementation | decrease | fibromyalgia symptoms | patients with FM | - | seem to provide promising results | #3 |
iron supplementation | decrease | fibromyalgia symptoms | patients with FM | - | seem to provide promising results | #4 |
vitamin D deficiency | increase | FM symptoms | twenty consecutive female patients with FM | - | appear to play a role | #5 |
magnesium deficiency | increase | FM symptoms | twenty consecutive female patients with FM | - | appear to play a role | #6 |
vitamin D deficiency | decrease | physical function | twenty consecutive female patients with FM | - | appear to play a role | #7 |
magnesium deficiency | decrease | physical function | twenty consecutive female patients with FM | - | appear to play a role | #8 |
vitamin D deficiency | increase | stiffness | twenty consecutive female patients with FM | - | appear to play a role | #9 |
magnesium deficiency | increase | stiffness | twenty consecutive female patients with FM | - | appear to play a role | #10 |
micronutrient supplementation | decrease | FM symptoms | FM patients | - | might help counteract | #11 |
OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multifactorial disease characterized principally by chronic, widespread pain impairing a patient's quality of life. The management of FM requires a multidisciplinary approach that combines pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Growing evidence suggests a potential beneficial role of micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins. Overall, the role of these supplements remains controversial, but clinical trials on vitamin D, vitamin B12, magnesium, and iron supplementation seem to provide promising results. The aim of this study was to investigate their role in an Italian female sample. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An exploratory cross-sectional study was done to assess the association of selected micronutrients with symptoms of FM by using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) in twenty consecutive female patients with FM. A literature review was also conducted. RESULTS: FIQ results revealed that vitamin D and magnesium deficiency appear to play a role in FM symptoms, mainly in physical function and stiffness. From the literature review, only two studies investigating the role of micronutrients in FM were retrieved. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for micronutrient deficiencies in FM patients and supplementing them when levels are low might help counteract FM symptoms.