By Vijay Vad, MD
Published: 3/13/2017
Supplements are often used to treat fibromyalgia-related symptoms that have not been relieved by medications. A supplement may ease one especially challenging aspect of the condition—such as disrupted sleep—or have a more wide-ranging impact.
Blood tests can be used to determine deficiencies that may be addressed with supplements.
Information on the effectiveness of supplements is typically limited, in part because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements as it does medication. Variability in supplement ingredients can also make it difficult for researchers to compare results for people taking a certain supplement.
Treating Pain and Other Symptoms
Individual experiences vary, but magnesium, melatonin, and probiotics are among supplements that have shown promise in the medical literature:
- Magnesium. People with fibromyalgia are more likely than others to have low magnesium, and many doctors advise fibromyalgia patients to take this supplement.1
Magnesium, a mineral, occurs naturally in the body and in many foods and is important to human functioning. Foods high in magnesium include yogurt, dark leafy green vegetables, nuts, fish, and whole grains.
One study of 60 premenopausal women looked at the impact of taking magnesium citrate, an antidepressant, or a combination of both. When a daily 300 mg dose of the supplement was used on its own, most symptoms—including tender points and depression—decreased. When the same dose of the supplement was used with a daily 10 mg dose of the antidepressant amitriptyline, it eased every symptom but numbness.2
One small study at a fibromyalgia clinic monitored use of a magnesium chloride patch on women’s arms and legs. Participants were checked after two weeks, then four weeks, and reported improved quality of life.3
Magnesium is usually sold by itself, combined with calcium, or with both calcium and zinc.
In This Article:
Magnesium, Melatonin, and Probiotics for Fibromyalgia
Melatonin. This hormone is produced by your body and is important in regulating each individual's sleep/wake system. Melatonin is widely used by people who have fibromyalgia as well as those who don't. Some people with insomnia or sleep problems related to jet lag or irregular work schedules also take melatonin.
