The American College of Rheumatology claims there are between three and six million individuals living with Fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain.
While the cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown, there are several theories. Some researchers believe that the syndrome may be caused by trauma to the muscles, such as whiplash or a sports injury. Others believe Fibromyalgia is caused when delta-wave sleep, the deepest and most regenerative stage of the sleep cycle, is disrupted.
Recent studies have suggested that an abnormality in the central nervous system is responsible for Fibromyalgia symptoms. Yet, other scientists are considering the possibility of a brain malfunction in the production or metabolism of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in sleep and memory function.
Fibromyalgia is not classified as a disease; therefore there are no tests that can reliably confirm its presence. At present, physicians rely on a special technique called “Mapping”. This exam focuses on eighteen specific areas of tenderness. The patient must have pain in eleven of these eighteen areas for at least three months.
Studies show that 90-95% of the U.S. population is deficient in magnesium. Most American adults do not obtain the recommended daily allowance of 400-500 mg. Additionally, a large majority of Americans consume a diet of processed and cooked foods, which increases the body’s demand for magnesium.
Magnesium is a vital element our body needs in order to function properly. It is a co-factor in activating over 350 biochemical reactions and is required for energy production, bone formation, function and relaxation of muscles, and protein synthesis.
Magnesium is required by the specific enzymes which turn the sugar and fat we eat into Adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP). ATP is the energy source your muscles use for short bursts of power, such as running or throwing a baseball. It is common to find low levels of ATP in Fibromyalgia patients. Researchers believe low ATP levels are connected to Fibromyalgia and that a magnesium deficiency worsens the symptoms.
The brain heavily relies on ATP for numerous functions. ATP helps maintain balance throughout the cells and sends signals along specific brain pathways. Approximately 20 percent of the body’s ATP is located in the brain. Low levels of ATP can diminish brain cognitive functions, a common problem in people with Fibromyalgia.
Insufficient magnesium affects the nervous system by causing nerves to fire too easily. Noises sound excessively loud, lights seem too bright, emotional reactions are exaggerated, and the brain is over-stimulated, oftentimes resulting in insomnia. These symptoms are commonly found in Fibromyalgia patients.
A deficiency in magnesium causes an increase in a body chemical called substance P, which is responsible for pain perception. In other words, you will experience more pain if you don’t have enough magnesium. Fibromyalgia sufferers have on average three times more substance P than normal.
Interference of Magnesium Absorption
Diet and digestion play a major role in magnesium absorption. Oftentimes, people with Fibromyalgia have other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or gluten intolerance, which limit nutrient absorption.
Excess amounts of fructose (sugar from fruits and honey) may interfere with magnesium absorption. Phosphate, which is found in soft drinks, chocolate, ice cream, processed meats and hot dogs, can bind magnesium in the gut and create magnesium phosphate, a salt that can’t be used by the body.
The Many Forms of Magnesium
If you are considering taking magnesium supplements, it’s important to note that not all forms are the same. Individuals with Fibromyalgia are advised to consult with their physician when using magnesium supplements.
The most common supplements are magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate. Both of these are difficult to assimilate and have a strong laxative effect. Many of the oral magnesium supplements are hard to absorb.
Some people prefer the chelated form of magnesium, while others have found that liquid forms of magnesium help when pills do not. There are various forms of liquid magnesium including magnesium chloride, gluconate, and citrate. Magnesium chloride is well absorbed, but must be stored in the refrigerator. Gluconate contains a lot of glucose (sugar), along with additives to make it taste better and a preservative prevent it from spoiling. Magnesium citrate is the most common liquid form and is often marketed as a laxative.
Time released magnesium is a form some people find useful because it is absorbed over an 8-10 hour period of time. There are two forms of time released magnesium – magnesium chloride and magnesium lactate.
It is recommended to take magnesium with calcium because the two minerals work together and the calcium can offset the laxative effect of the magnesium. It should also be noted that B vitamins are necessary for the utilization of magnesium. Studies have shown that people with Fibromyalgia oftentimes have B vitamin deficiencies, especially B12.
Magnesium is involved in thyroid production and protein synthesis. Magnesium is also necessary in the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes, which are deficient in people with autoimmune disease and Fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is not easily detected and is often overlooked by doctors.
While this mineral is no cure-all by any means, magnesium has been shown to relieve muscle pain and fatigue in individuals with Fibromyalgia. Magnesium is often given in combination with malic acid.
In a six month 1995 study, patients with Fibromyalgia were given a daily dose of 200 mg of malic acid and 50 mg of magnesium. Patients who participated showed significant reduction in pain and tenderness.
Dietary sources of magnesium include whole grains, nuts, seeds, cocoa, green vegetables, seafood, brown rice, and kidney and lima beans.
Natural sources of magnesium can be found in almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, baked beans, molasses, and dark green leafy vegetables.
It’s important to note that magnesium, Vitamin D and calcium should be taken together because they work synergistically in the body. However, don’t take extra magnesium if you have kidney disease because it is the kidneys that process the magnesium.
Reference:
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesHealthy Divas
