Yes, low vitamin B12 levels are significantly associated with fibromyalgia, especially with increased fatigue and cognitive issues, and studies suggest B12 supplementation may help alleviate some fibromyalgia symptoms, indicating a potential link between deficiency and the condition's hallmark symptoms like fatigue and pain.
That's why having enough B vitamins is important. It can help you have more energy and keep your nervous system strong. This is especially helpful for people with fibromyalgia, who often feel tired and have nerve pain. Adding vitamins B6 and B12 to your diet might help you feel less tired and achy.
Several studies have mentioned the correlation between a low concentration of vitamin D and non-specific musculoskeletal pains [3,12,13], while, some other studies reported the probable association between vitamin D deficiency and clinical manifestations of FM [1,3,4,5,14].
An open-label, pre-post study with 28 female fibromyalgia patients showed improved symptom severity and reduced anxiety after a daily dose of 1000 mcg of vitamin B12 for 50 days.
To help you narrow your search for potentially helpful complementary remedies, here's what the evidence says about six of the most studied supplements for fibromyalgia.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
On Aug. 15, the FDA approved a new drug application for Tonmya (TNX-102 SL) for the treatment of adults with fibromyalgia. This agent is a rapidly disintegrating sublingual tablet with 2.8 mg of cyclobenzaprine HCl.
Inflammatory autoimmune diseases also commonly co-occur with fibromyalgia. Those autoimmune diseases include: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Lupus.
Its causal relationship with vitamin B12 deficiency was biologically demonstrated. This neuropathy improved within a few days after intramuscular hydroxocobalamin treatment. Both clinical and electrophysiological signs had totally disappeared 3 months later on.
Autoimmune: Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies to intrinsic factors are produced. Anti-intrinsic factor antibodies bind to and inhibit the effects of intrinsic factors, resulting in an inability of B12 to be absorbed by the terminal ileum.
The top 5 worst autoimmune diseases are giant cell myocarditis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. These diseases can cause a lot of harm and even death if not managed well.
Pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and milnacipran HCl (Savella)are medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, general fatigue, and non-restful sleep.
Individuals experiencing a deficiency often report feeling unusually tired or weak, even after adequate sleep. This symptom arises because a lack of B12 impairs the production of red blood cells, leading to fewer cells to transport oxygen throughout the body.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic fatigue syndrome [for succinctness, CFS] and fibromyalgia [FM] are medically unexplained illnesses, predominantly in women, characterized by disabling fatigue and by widespread pain with tenderness, respectively.
Because fibromyalgia is complex in nature and difficult to diagnose, a rheumatologist will perform a complete medical history and a full physical exam. A physical exam can help reveal signs of inflammation throughout the body's joints and musculoskeletal system.
Toothaches in those with fibromyalgia aren't always due to typical dental issues such as cavities or gum disease. Instead, fibromyalgia can cause orofacial pain that is unrelated to these common dental problems1.
Standard treatment for fibromyalgia typically includes a mix of:
If you're suddenly craving meat for no clear reason, it could be your body's way of signaling a vitamin B12 deficiency. According to Pallian, people low in B12 may also find themselves unusually hungry for fish or eggs.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms that affect your brain and nervous system (neurological symptoms), including: numbness. muscle weakness. psychological problems, which can range from mild depression or anxiety, to confusion and dementia.