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The
following articles are presented as support for the possible use of
ionic minerals and magnesium as a dietary supplement and nutritional
supplement. You will find more on ionic
magnesium here. You can also purchase this diet supplement
below.
MAGNESIUM
DEFICIENCY IN FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME
Magazine:
Journal of Nutritional Medicine, Spring, 1994
Section: ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Since
patients with either Fibromyalgia syndrome
(FS) or low magnesium (Mg) levels can have fatigue, sleep
disturbance and anxiety, it was necessary to determine if some
patients with FS also have low Mg levels. Both red blood cell (RBC)
and plasma Mg levels were measured in 100 consecutive FS patients
and 12 osteoarthritis (OA) control patients. Compared to reference
laboratory and OA controls, FS patients had significantly lower RBC
Mg levels. The plasma Mg levels of FS patients were no different
than the reference laboratory or OA controls. Some FS patients have
low Mg levels, a problem that is potentially correctable.
Keywords:
Fibromyalgia, magnesium, fatigue, pain.
INTRODUCTION
Patients
with Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS), also
called fibrositis syndrome, often suffer from myalgias, fatigue,
sleep disturbance and anxiety [1-3]. The same symptoms are found in
patients with low magnesium (Mg) levels [4]. In fact, abnormalities
of muscle activity have been shown in Mg deficiency using
myothermography [5]. Since treatment with Mg has been shown to be of
benefit in patients with tiredness [6] and in patients with chronic
fatigue syndrome (CFS) [7], measurements of Mg in FS patients might
prove helpful in identifying those FS patients most likely to
benefit from Mg supplementation. In fact, recently there was a
preliminary report of low Mg in FS patients [8]. Both plasma and red
blood cell (RBC) Mg levels of FS patients were measured to increase
the sensitivity of the investigation. RBC Mg levels have been shown
to be a better predictor of the body's Mg status than plasma levels
[9] and low RBC Mg levels have been shown to be present while plasma
levels were normal [7]. FS is a chronic disorder whose symptoms may
be exacerbated by latent Mg deficiency. Recognition of such a
problem in some FS patients would thus be the first step in more
successful treatment and the easing of the suffering of many
thousands of patients.
PATIENTS AND
METHODS
One
hundred consecutive patients who fulfilled the American College of
Rheumatology ACR criteria for FS [3] were examined for Mg
deficiency. There were 20 men (mean age 46, range 29-57) and 80
women (mean age 48, range 28-64) studied. The mean tender point
count in the FS patients was 16.2 (of a possible 18). Dolorimetric
measurements were performed on six typical tender areas and three
control areas. The mean dolorimeter scores of the tender areas were:
occiput, 2.8 kg; trapezius, 2.4 kg; second rib, 3.2 kg; paraspinous,
3.6 kg; lateral humeral epicondyle, 3.4 kg; medial knee fat pad, 3.0
kg. The mean dolorimeter scores for the control areas were:
thumbnail, 5.6 kg; midpoint of the third metatarsal, 5.4 kg; forearm
midpoint, 5.2 kg. Dolorimetry was performed using a Chantillon
dolorimeter as described previously [10] and the areas studied were
on the right side of the body. Twelve patients with uncomplicated
monoarticular osteoarthritis (OA) (four hip; six knee; two shoulder)
were also studied. There were three men (ages 44, 48, 53) and nine
women (mean age 50, range 42-64) in the OA group. None were taking
diuretics or uricosuric drugs. None were bulemic, anorexic or using
laxatives inappropriately to our knowledge. No FS patient was
cachectic or on a 'crash' diet at the time of the study. All had
simultaneous plasma and RBC Mg studies drawn. The samples were drawn
into a heparinized tube from a peripheral vein. The samples were
immediately refrigerated and then transported to a reference
laboratory (National Medical Services, Willow Grove, PA, USA) where
the assays were performed. The plasma and RBC Mg levels using washed
cells were determined by using direct dilution techniques and atomic
absorption [11, 12] and results reported in mg dl[sup -1] (mumol
l[sup -1]).
RESULTS
The
mean RBC Mg level for the general population (reference laboratory)
is 5.5 mg dl[sup -1] (2.3 mumol l[sup -1]) with a 'normal' range of
4.2 - 6.8mg dl[sup -1] (1.75-2.83 mumol l[sup -1]). The standard
deviation (SD) is 0.65 mg dl[sup -1] (0.27 mumol l[sup -1]). In
contrast, the mean Mg level of the FS population (100 patients) is
4.6 (1.92) with a range of 3.7-5.6 mg dl[sup -1] (1.54-2.33 mumol
l[sup -1]) and SD of 0.48 (0.20). By using a comparison of means
test, there was a statistically significant difference (z = 8; p
< 0.001) between these two groups. The FS patient group contained
41 patients with a myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) diagnosed using
criteria developed by Travell and Simons [13]. However, most FS
patients (59 patients) did not have a concomitant MPS. There was no
statistically significant difference between these two groups (z =
0.2; p > 0.05). While 15 FS patients had RBC Mg levels that were
clearly below the 'normal' range (i.e. <4.2 mg dl[sup -1] (1.75
mumol l[sup -1])), anothev 48 FS patients had RBC Mg levels in the
lower quartile (i.e. between 4.2 (1.75) and 4.85 (2.02)mg dl[sup -1]
(mumol l[sup -1]) of this range. In addition to the reference
laboratory controls, 12 patients suffering from uncomplicated OA
were also studied. They had RBC and plasma Mg levels measured. Their
mean RBC and plasma Mg levels were 5.3 mg dl[sup -1] (2.21 mumol
l[sup -1]) and 2.0 mg dl[sup -1] 0.83 (mumol l[sup -1]), i.e. not
significantly different than published controls (p > 0.4) but
different from RBC Mg values of FS patients (p < 0.01).
The
mean plasma Mg level for the general population (reference
laboratory) is 2.05 mg dl[sup -1] (0.85 mumol l[sup -1]) with a
'normal' range of 1.6 -2.5 mg dl[sup -1] (0.67-1.04 mumol l[sup -1])
and a SD of 0.225 mg dl[sup -1] (0.09 mumol l[sup -1]). The FS
patients had a mean plasma Mg level of 2.05 mg dl[sup -1] (0.85
mumol l[sup -1]) with a range of 1.7 -2.6 mg dl[sup -1] (0.71-1.08
mumol l[sup -1]) and a SD of 0.275 mg dl[sup -1](0.11 mumol l[sup
-1]). There was no statistically significant difference between the
two groups.
The Role of Magnesium in Fibromyalgia
An investigatory paper by Mark London
Magnesium deficiency is very common in the general US
population. Not only is our daily intake low, but we eat a
diet which increases the demand for magnesium. And
unfortunately, urinary magnesium loss can be increased by many
factors, both physical and emotional. Magnesium loss increases
in the presence of certain hormones. Stress can greatly
increase magnesium loss. Even loud noises can extra magnesium loss.
One article on the web goes so far as to say that that almost
everyone is the United States is at least marginally deficient in
magnesium. So there is an excellent chance that a person with
fibromyalgia has a magnesium deficiency. But since people with
fibromyalgia often have high levels of stress, and a disrupted
hormonal system, they are more likely to be candidates for magnesium
deficiency. Magnesium utilization is also increased by the
presence of estrogen, and this might explain why many women are diagnosed
with fibromyalgia after menopause, when estrogen levels would
decrease. Additionally, the sleep disruption which occurs in
fibromyalgia might also affect magnesium utilization, as sleep
deprivation has been shown to cause lower magnesium levels.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9068914&dopt=Abstract
The reason lack of sleep causes a magnesium deficiency is
probably due to the lower amounts of growth hormone secretion which
occurs due to a sleep disturbance, especially the type that is found
in people with fibromyalgia. Growth hormone is responsible for
creating a substance known as IGF-1, or insulin growth factor.
IGF-1 has been found to have many uses by the body. It's
especially known for tissue repair. However, it can influence
intracellular levels of magnesium, as the following studies show:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9851785&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9828151&dopt=Abstract
Also, IGF-1 affects excretion of magnesium by the kidneys:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10381152&dopt=Abstract
Magnesium deficiency is therefore one of many problems in people
with fibromyalgia which is due to or influenced by the sleep
disturbance. So while it's possible to attain some benefit
from taking magnesium, treating any sleep disorder is just as
helpful, if not more so.
Magnesium is extremely important to many functions in the body,
which is why a deficiency can cause many different symptoms.
It is most widely known for being needed for proper bone formation.
With a deficiency, bones will be soft, and it can play a role in
osteoporosis However, magnesium is also the activating
mineral for at least 350 different enzymes in the body, more than
any other mineral, so it is crucial for many of the metabolic
functions in the body. Magnesium is necessary for almost all
the enzymes that allow the glycolytic and Krebs cycles to turn the
sugar and fat we eat into ATP. Low levels of ATP have commonly
been found in people with fibromyalgia, and it is believed that this
plays an important role in many of the fibromyalgia symptoms.
Thus, a magnesium deficiency would definitely be a factor in
worsening those symptoms.
Magnesium is extremely necessary for proper ATP
synthesis, because ATP is stored in the body as a combination of
magnesium and ATP, which is known as MgATP. ATP requires
magnesium in order to be stable. Without magnesium, ATP would
easily break down into other components, ADP and inorganic
phosphate.
The brain heavily relies ATP for many functions. In fact,
20% of total body ATP is located in the brain. Thus, low
levels of ATP can diminish brain cognitive functions, a common
problem in people with fibromyalgia. And since ATP
influences transport of magnesium into cells, a vicious cycle
can arise in which low ATP levels give rise to even lower
intracellular magnesium, causing still further ATP reduction.
Adequate magnesium is necessary for proper muscle functioning.
Magnesium deficiency promotes excessive muscle tension, leading to
muscle spasms, tics, restlessness, and twitches. This is due
to an imbalance of the ratio of calcium to magnesium, as calcium
controls contraction, while magnesium controls relaxation.
Plus, in fibromyalgia, changes are seen in the muscles, such as
"significantly lower than normal phosphocreatine and ATP
levels" and "values for phosphorylation potential ... also
were significantly reduced":
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9506567&dopt=Abstract
But all of these same changes are found also in magnesium
deficiencies:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8988330&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7847586&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8399369&dopt=Abstract
Magnesium may also help Myofascial Pain Syndrome. According
to Devin Starlanyl's web page "Myofascial trigger points can be
identified and documented electrophysiologically by characteristic
spontaneous electrical activity (SEA). They may also be
identified histologically (which means that the structure of the
cells have changed) by contraction knots-- the lumps and bumps we
know only too well. Both of these phenomenon seem to result
from excessive release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh)
from the nerve terminal of the motor endplate (the complex end
formation of the nerve)." But magnesium is well known for
being able to inhibit ACh release:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2812517&dopt=Abstract
And in fact, intravenous magnesium sulfate is used in emergency
situations because of this effect on acetylcholine:
http://www.templejc.edu/ems/drugs/Magnesium.html
Magnesium is known to regulate or inhibit many nerve receptors,
such as NMDA or 5-HT3, which have been considered as sources of
certain types of fibromyalgia pain. Neurontin, for example, is
used because inhibits NMDA activity. Since magnesium also
blocks NMDA receptors, studies have used intravenous magnesium
therapy to try and treat similar types of neuropathic pain:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10687324&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9785788&dopt=Abstract
And it's because of magnesium's ability to regulate nerve
functions that other fibromyalgia symptoms occur. Migraine
headaches, mitral valve prolapse, and Raynaud's phenomenon, all
problems commonly found in people with fibromyalgia, are also
problems that have been associated with a magnesium deficiency.
Without enough magnesium, nerves fire too easily from even minor
stimuli. Noises will sound excessively loud, lights will seem
too bright, emotional reactions will be exaggerated, and the brain
will be too stimulated to sleep, all symptoms commonly found in
fibromyalgia. And if the oversensitivity to light and noise
reminds you of someone suffering from a hangover, they are one and
the same problem, as alcohol is known for decreasing magnesium
levels, and magnesium supplementation has been found to relieve
hangover symptoms.
Another commonly found condition in fibromyalgia which has
nervous related symptoms is reactive hypoglycemia. Anxiety
related symptoms occur after carbohydrate intake, and this is
believed to be due to either an excess release of adrenaline,
or a higher sensitivity to adrenaline. In either case, a
deficiency of magnesium could be a factor, as "magnesium
has been found to slow the release of both adrenaline and
noradrenaline, and to partially block adrenergic receptors."
Not only that, but magnesium also affects carbohydrate metabolism
in a different manner, as a magnesium deficiency appears to create
resistance to insulin, Insulin resistance increases levels of
insulin, which may result in a form of diabetes.
Additionally, insulin resistance by itself can distrupt
intracellular magnesium levels, as the following web page explains.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8861135&dopt=Abstract
Thus, "insulin resistance and magnesium depletion may result
in a vicious cycle of worsening insulin resistance and decrease in
intracellular Mg(2+) which may limit the role of magnesium in vital
cellular processes."
Magnesium also appears to be able to also affect the nervous
system by regulating the release of hormones, which occurs due to
many different forms of stress. However, this hormonal
activity is disrupted in fibromyalgia. Often there is an
exaggerated release or high levels of noradrenaline (also known as
noepinephrine), as the following studies show:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2532682&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10765933&dopt=Abstract
However, magnesium appears to play a role in regulating
noradrenaline levels. For example, in the following study on
mitral valve prolapse, magnesium supplementation not only relieved
symptoms, but also reduced the high level of urinary noradrenaline
excretion:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9070556&dopt=Abstract
And genetically bred mice with low magnesium levels have also
been found to have high noradrenaline levels:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&llst_uids=7545412&dopt=Abstract
And ,as was previously mentioned, sleep deprivation appears to
lower magnesium levels. However, in another study, sleep
deprivation was found to raise noradrenaline levels:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10372697&dopt=Abstract
Thus, there appears to be a strong link between high
noradrenaline levels, and low magnesium levels. And this
imbalance of hormones could play a role in exercise tolerance in
fibromyalgia. High noradrenaline levels are associated with
low exercise tolerance. This might be due to the fact that
noradrenaline causes constriction in blood vessels, and this could
reduce oxygen flow during exercise. This is made worse by the
lower than normal adrenaline levels in fibromyalgia, as
adrenaline is able to dilate blood vessels in the skeletal muscles
and the liver. However, magnesium is able to relax
smooth muscles around blood vessels, and thus has a strong
vasodilatory effect, which could counteract the vasoconstriction
effect of the hormones.
Related to this is the previously mentioned study of patients
that were sleep deprived which resulted in low magnesium levels.
They were also found to have lower levels of exercise tolerance.
But in a subsequeent study, it was found that magnesium
supplementation was able to raise that tolerance:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9626901&dopt=Abstract
Respiratory problems such as asthma have also been associated
with high levels of noradrenaline, and thus magnesium might be of
help for those conditions.
A magnesium deficiency also increases levels of substance P, a
chemical which has been implicated as being responsible for
increased pain levells in FMS. Several studies, such as the
following, show this:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1384353&dopt=Abstract
However, even just as important is the fact that this study also
shows a rise in inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are part of
the immune system. However, raised levels of certain cytokines
have been implicated in many health problems and diseases, and some
researchers feel that they may be responsible for many of the
symptoms of FMS and CFS, as these cytokines play a role in metabolic
and many other functions. Sleep deprivation studies also show an
increase these cytokines, not surprising since we have shown that
sleep deprivation can cause a magnesium deficiency. The
following study showed a significant increase in one of these
cytokines, interleukin-6. This cytokine appears to play a role
in the fatigue and other health symptoms that directly result from
lack of sleep:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10443646&dopt=Abstract
Since a sleep disturbance could cause a rise in these cytokines,
and since this study also postulates that these cytokines themselves
play a role in regulating sleep, a spiraling effect could occur, as
the high levels of these cytokines could cause sleep to be
constantly disturbed Such a circular effect has been proposed
for the cause of FMS.
Magnesium is thus involved in many functions in the body, and so
it's no wonder that the chemical brain imbalances in fibromyalgia
somehow seem connected to processes involving magnesium.
Surprisingly, little is known about magnesium, as compared to other
minerals in the body, as the following recent paper summarizes:
http://www.bioscience.org/2000/v5/d/romani/fulltext.htm
So it could be that magnesium even has more effects that we are not
yet aware of. And it's because magnesium is involved in so
many processes in the body, that a deficiency has a spiraling
effect. Low magnesium levels causes metabolic functions to
decrease, causing further stress on the body, reducing the body's
ability to absorb and retain magnesium. A marginal deficiency
could easily be transformed into a more significant problem.
Any stressful event could trigger magnesium loss. So one could
postulate that stressful events which trigger fibromyalgia are doing
so by creating a high loss of magnesium. Perhaps people in a
fibromyalgia flare could be helped by additional magnesium.
Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is not easily detected, as
serum levels do not reflect the levels of magnesium in tissues.
This is the reason why it is so overlooked and ignored, both by
doctors and by studies. And unfortunately, oral magnesium
supplementation can be difficult because of absorption problems.
Digestion and diet play a key role in absorption. People with
fibromyalgia often have conditions like Irritable Bowel System,
gluten intolerance, or other problems that might limit absorption.
Phosphate can bind to magnesium in the gut, creating magnesium
phosphate, an insoluble salt that can't be utilized. Many
forms of oral magnesium supplements are hard to assimilate.
The most common, magnesium oxide and citrate, happen to be the worst
to assimilate, which is why both have a strong laxative effect.
If you suffer from that effect when you take magnesium, it is often
not because you are taking too much, but because you are not
assimilating it well. And it may take long term use of
supplements before magnesium levels are raised in all the tissues,
and for damaged cell functions to be restored.
Further information about magnesium as it relates to
fibromyalgia, see the following web pages:
http://www.fibromyalgie.net/artikelen/hypothesis_management_of_fibromy.htm
http://www.futureone.com/~hunter/ftext14.htm
It especially has some good information regarding magnesium's
ability to regulate calcium and phosphate within cells, which is
necessary to maintain proper ATP synthesis. It also discusses
magnesium in regard to proper cell membrane permeability.
Further discussions of this and other topics regarding magnesium
deficiency can be on this web page: http://www.mgwater.com/dur18.shtml
And the disruption of proper cellular membrane permeability is
believed to lead to a decrease in the intracellular antioxidant
system, shown in the following study, one of several in MEDLINE:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10192096&dopt=Abstract
This might explain recent studies which have shown oxidative
damage in people with fibromyalgia.
http://bubl8.lib.strath.ac.uk/journals/soc/cbomt/v03n0198.htm#2metabolic
And the changes in cell membranes and subsequent intracellular
imbalance in cells reduces the body's defenses against toxins such
as heavy metals. A long term magnesium deficiency may lead to
many other secondary problems that have their own host of symptoms.
A magnesium deficiency causes an increase in intracellular
calcium levels, which may lead to calcification and cell death.
And a few more studies for those interested on the effects of a
magnesium deficiency on cell disturbances and mitochondria damage:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9529585&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9641824&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7738680&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8988330&dopt=Abstract
And if you are still skeptical of the importance of magnesium, I
suggest you read the following: http://www.mgwater.com/dur30.shtml
While most symptoms which are directly due to magnesium are
reversible, magnesium indirectly causes problems that may not be
reversible. "With a high aluminum diet alone, aluminum
content in the nervous system in rats showed no difference with a
control group aluminum serum aluminum was high. However, with
an insufficient intake of magnesium the same aluminum load induced
an increase in aluminum and calcium concentrations in the nervous
system and neurodegeneration with precipitation of insoluble
hydroxyapatites." Combined aluminum intoxication with
calcium-magnesium deficiencies is not reversible through
physiological oral magnesium supplementation. And also from
that web page: " "nervous consequences of magnesium
deficiency" ... "are completely reversible since they can
be restored to normal with simple oral physiological magnesium
supplementation but it should also be pointed out that a
prolongation of untreated chronic magnesium deficiency can produce
irreversible lesions with histological changes."
If you are considering taking magnesium, please note that not all
forms are the same. Magnesium oxide and citrate are the most
common, but also are the worse to assimilate, causing a laxative
effect. Most doctors recommend taking a chelated form, and
spreading out the doses throughout the day, in order to better
absorb it. Taking magnesium with calcium is suggested because
the 2 minerals work together in buildling bones, plus the calcium
can offset some of the laxative effect. However, you don't
need to take calcium in the ratio of 2/1. This ratio is based
on the amount of calcium and magnesium in bones, but there is no
reason not to take more magnesium than this, as more magnesium does
not increase the need for more calcium. In fact, some doctors
believe the ideal ratio is 1/1. If one brand of magnesium does
not work for you, or if you experience a side effect, consider
switching to a different brand, as the amino acid which is combined
with the magnesium has been known to cause side effects in some
people. Many people have found that liquid forms of magnesium
help when pills do not help. There are various forms of liquid
magnesium, i.e. magnesium chloride, gluconate, and citrate.
Magnesium chloride is well absorbed, although the liquid form has to
be kept refrigerated. Liquid gluocate (magonate) contains not
only a lot of glucose, but also several additives to make it taste
better, but also a perservative to keep it from spoiling. On
the other hand, the best form of magnesium might be a time released
version. Having a steady source of magnesium has been found to
help in cases when plain magnesium does not help. One can do
this by taking lots of small doses, but this is inconvenient.
Time released supposedly is released over a 8-10 hour period.
There are 2 available forms, magnesium chloride and magnesium
lactate Two products contain magnesium chloride, Slow Mag and
Pro-Mag. Slow Mag contains several additives that Pro-Mag does
not. The latter is made by Douglas Laboratories, and I
personally have had good results with it. Time released forms
are more expensive, so most people recommend a combination of pills
and time released, which is what I do.
It should also be noted that B vitamins are necessary for proper
utilization of magnesium. Some people with fibromyalgia might
have B vitamin deficiencies, especially B12. One study,
has shown that homocysteine levels are high in the cerebrospinal
fluid, and this indicates low levels of B12 in the brain.
Additionally, homocysteine causes a depletion of intracellular free
magnesium:, and according to the following study,
only a combination of B6, B12, and folate acid can stop this
depletion of magnesium. Thus, some people with fibromyalgia
might benefit from B vitamin supplementation. (However,
certain B12 deficiencies require B12 shots, as some people are
unable to orally absorb enough B12.)
I personally started taking magnesium for spasms and facial tics,
only doing so on my own after neurologists simply told me to either
get better sleep or take a prescription drug. The magnesium
helped almost immediately, and I then slowly increased the dose to
about 225% the RDA (balanced with 100% calcium RDA) At that point,
all spasms and tics stopped completely, and they have not returned
since starting that dose several years ago. I doubt any
traditional doctor would have been willing to prescribe that much
magnesium. The RDA is 400mg, but many people believe this is too
low. Traditionally, it's been recommended to take calcium and
magnesium in a ratio of 2/1, because that is the ratio that these
minerals are found in bone. But magnesium is less easily
absorbed than calcium, so this ratio may not be valid for a lot of
people, and in fact many cal-mag combinations found in health food
stores often have additional magnesium.
Magnesium is just one of many helpful remedies and/or supplements
for that might be helpful for fibromyalgia. It's not a cure,
but it may be helpful in relieving some of the symptoms. For more
information about magnesium, click
here to read Sandy Simmons's web page on magnesium.
Copyright (c) 2000
Contents of this article are the property of Mark R. London, MRL@PSFC.MIT.EDU
Contents can be forwarded to other people and posted on the
internet, as long as it is forwarded in full. Contents cannot
be used in any way in any other media, without permission of the
author
DISCUSSION
The
clinician is often frustrated when treating FS patients since
symptoms are numerous and solutions inadequate. The finding of a
potentially reversible problem (i.e. Mg deficiency) in some FS
patients is encouraging. This study, as well as a previous report
[8], identified a subgroup of FS patients that may benefit from Mg
supplementation. More importantly, this finding may inspire further
investigation into other easily treated problems that may cause FS
patients difficulty. For a disorder such as FS which has no cure,
the correction of any other problem which may be an exacerbation or
perpetuating factor may not only be of help to the patient but may
be critical in getting the FS under reasonably good control. There
is certainly precedent for such reasoning. Travell and Simons [14]
have maintained for many years that MPS sufferers cannot be treated
adequately unless perpetuating factors such as vitamin deficiencies,
electrolyte imbalances, poor posture, etc. are eliminated or
ameliorated.
The
question of whether Mg deficiency is pathogenic or simply an
epiphenomenon is not known and requires further study. However, to
he able to identify a correctable problem in FS sufferers is
certainly desirable. Thus, Mg deficiency should be considered in FS
patients especially if they are not responding to conventional
treatments [15, 16] as expected. It is important to note that the Mg
deficiency in FS patients was discovered only when RBC Mg levels
were measured. Thus, FS patients who are suspected of suffering from
low Mg must be tested for both RBC and plasma Mg before Mg
deficiency can be ruled out.
CONCLUSIONS
Many
FS patients suffer from Mg deficiency. While the former condition
can be treated but not cured and the latter is potentially
corrigible, it is important to assess Mg levels in all FS patients
for optimal management of their musculoskeletal problem.
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~~~~~~~~
BY
THOMAS J. ROMANO MD PHD FACP FACR[1] AND JOHN W. STILLER MD[2]
1
Faculty American Academy of Pain Management--Private Practice,
Wheeling, WV 26003, USA; 2 Private Practice, Lakeland, FL 33813, US
Correspondence
to: Dr Thomas J. Romano, Suite 201, Center 3, Medical Park,
Wheeling, WV 26003, US
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