| The University of Calgary Open case trial on fibromyalgia December 1999 Volume 7, Number 4, Page 127 of The Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain Article Review-Potential Clinical Benefit of Nutritional Supplements in the Management of Fibromyalgia Scientists Involved at the University of Calgary The scientists involved reported their observations in a woman with longstanding Fibro-myalgia whose symptoms cleared after taking nutritional supplements. CASE HISTORY "The patient, a 46-year-old woman, had been diagnosed with FMS for eight years. Her symptoms began post-partum 10 years ago with widespread muscle aching and paraesthesia in her hands and circumorally. She was fatigued and had a disturbed sleep pattern. She was investigated for multiple sclerosis with normal test results. No specific abnormalities had been found in any laboratory tests during her initial and subsequent evaluations. Over the eight years that she has been followed at the clinic she has not been symptom-free at any stage. She experienced a good response to low dose amitriptyline in that it helped her sleep and did reduce her pain, but she was still significantly impaired. Exercise did not provide adequate symptom relief." APPLICATION OF THE NUTRIENT PROGRAM The patient a doctor (clinical psychologist), began taking the nutrient. The supplements included a multivitamin - mineral preparation. None of these supplements contained unusually large doses, and many of the minerals are in trace amounts. "The patient was assessed prior to starting the supplements, and at 4 months, 9 months, and 13 months after starting the supplements. The following assessments and questionnaires were completed at each clinic visit: the number of tender points [maximum 18] and myalgic score from the sum of tenderness at each point [scale of 0 = no tenderness to 4 = severe tenderness]; a Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire [SEQ], a Self Efficacy Questionnaire [SEQ] and an Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale [IIRS]." CASE RESULTS "Over the course of 13 months this patient's symptoms improved significantly. She no longer feels stiff and sore, and her energy levels are normal. The patient's impression is supported when the scores from the assessment instruments are reviewed. The lower scores on the FIQ and IIRS are indicative of improved clinical status, as is the higher score on the SEQ. Our interpretation of these data is that the patient's improved sense of well being is likely due to the nutritional supplements which she has been taking over the past 12 months. Given the educated and skeptical attitude of the patient, plus the longstanding, well-documented nature of her disorder, we think her improvement is very unlikely attributable to an expectancy effect. This interpretation suggests the possibility that a nutrient imbalance may be part of the underlying pathophysiology of FMS." Note: The University of Calgary scientists involved are continuing their research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Recently the Alberta government provided a grant through it's Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Fund to complete a double blind fibromyalgia study at the University of Calgary. This study is now in operation and is utilizing the nutrient supplement program. |
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