Melatonin
Melatonin is a
substance secreted by the pineal
gland in the brain in response to
light and dark cycles. Melatonin
is responsible for sleep/awake
cycle patterns in individuals.
Because the secretion of melatonin is greatest
in the dark cycle of ones day, it improves sleep.
Melatonin has been extensively studied as a
treatment for various sleep
disorders, including the
associated sleep difficulties
often seen in individuals
suffering from fibromyalgia.
A study found that
melatonin levels in individuals
with fibromyalgia are lower during
dark hours compared to normal
controls. This decrease in
melatonin is believed to
contribute to a loss of sleep,
daytime fatigue, and the increased
pain perception in those with fibromyalgia. [4]
Supplementation with melatonin for
30 days significantly improved
patients' global assessment and
sleep quality. It also decreased
the number of tender points and
the severity of pain. [5]
5-HTP
5-HTP is a
precursor to the neurotransmitter
serotonin. Supplementation causes
serotonin levels to increase within
the brain, which is beneficial in treating fibromyalgia. Serotonin levels are
often low, and
brain metabolism is disrupted in the
brains of individuals with fibromyalgia. Supplementation
causes an improvement in mood
disorders such as depression and
anxiety. It also positively
affects insomnia and the many body
aches and pains of fibromyalgia. [6] In a short 30-day study,
supplementation resulted in
clinical improvement in all
symptoms of fibromyalgia. [7]
SAM-e
SAM-e is a cofactor
in many biochemical processes in
the body. It is anti-inflammatory,
analgesic, and has slight
anti-depressant properties, and has
been studied as a treatment for
fibromyalgia for such
properties. In one study, SAM-e
supplementation resulted in
improvement in mood and a decrease
in painful trigger points. [8] Another study found that SAM-e
resulted in improvement in disease
activity, decreased pain,
decreased fatigue, decreased
morning stiffness, and improved
mood. [9]
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is
indicated for the treatment of
fibromyalgia. Patients with
fibromyalgia have increased levels
of homocysteine in their blood. Homocysteine builds up in the
blood as a response to deficient
Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, and folic
acid. Studies have shown that the
increased homocysteine, and
more specifically, the decrease in Vitamin
B12 correlates with the levels of
fatigue in fibromyalgia patients. [10] Because homocysteine can also be
elevated due to deficiencies in
both Vitamin
B6 and folic acid, these nutrients
should also be supplemented.
Malic Acid and
Magnesium
Malic acid and
magnesium have been recommended as
a effective treatment for the
reduction of
pain in fibromyalgia
sufferers. Supplementation
reduces lactic acid, which is
elevated in the muscles of
individuals with fibromyalgia. Lactic acid is the by-product of
anaerobic or oxygen deprived
metabolism. It is the substance
that causes muscle cramps after a
heavy workout. Malic acid and
magnesium also improve oxygen
delivery to the muscles, which
will decrease any new production
of lactic acid. One study found
that supplementation resulted in
improvements in the variables of pain
and tenderness, in patients
suffering from fibromyalgia. [11]
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