Fibromyalgia and Fatigue

We all get tired after strenuous work or exercise. We rest, get a good night's sleep and our normal energy levels are restored. This isn't true in fibromyalgia. One of the most prevalent and most distressing symptoms is the unrelenting fatigue. Certainly one of the factors involved is the inability to achieve quality sleep patterns which we've discussed.

Another cause is the disruption of what is called the "energy cycle" (also known as the Krebs cycle). Foods which we eat are metabolized through many steps and the end product of those metabolic steps is our ultimate energy source which is called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). If our bodies are functioning properly and we receive adequate nutrients through our food intake, we will have sufficient energy for our normal functions. Unfortunately, this often isn't the case. Enzymes can function too slowly, required nutrient co-factors may be in short supply and necessary feedback mechanisms don't occur or are inappropriate. This disruption of the "energy cycle" certainly can be a major contributing factor in the total body fatigue experienced in fibromyalgia. Magnesium plays a critical role in this whole process as it is essential to have sufficient magnesium to stabilize ATP after its production. Without magnesium, ATP can be produced but it falls apart before it can be utilized. This not only deprives our cells of an optimal level of energy-producing ATP but this random release and breakdown actually causes cellular damage.

An important but often overlooked study about ATP reserves in the muscles of fibromyalgics was conducted by two researchers at Vanderbilt University. Jane Park, PhD and Nancy Olsen, MD, found that ATP levels in the muscles of those who suffer from fibromyalgia where 60% lower than in healthy subjects. Not only is there a relationship to fatigue but in these patients the lower the ATP energy reserve the greater was their pain!

Two essential steps which we can take to restore and re-vitalize our production of energy are to assure that we have a sufficient supply of magnesium and to consume something called malic acid on a daily basis. Malic acid enters the "energy cycle" at its most efficient site and is quickly converted to something called NADH and then to ATP. Support of the "energy cycle" is absolutely essential in the recovery phase of fibromyalgia.