Research: Benefit of Ribose in a Patient With Fibromyalgia
01-31-2005 Journal: PharmacotherapyBenjamin Gebhart, Pharm.D.; James A. Jorgenson, M.S., FASHP
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Ribose was added to the existing treatment regimen of a woman with fibromyalgia, resulting in a decrease in symptoms. It has been postulated that patients with fibromyalgia may have an alteration in muscle adenine nucleotide metabolism, leading to depleted energy reserves and an imbalance in cellular adenosine-triphosphate:adenosine 5'-diphosphate:adenosine 5'-monophosphate (ATP:ADP:AMP) ratios with an abnormal energy charge. As a key component in adenine nucleotide synthesis, ribose supplementation may be useful in such patients.
Introduction
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that is manifested by generalized muscle pain and additional systemic symptoms of fatigue, tenderness and stiffness in multiple joints, sleep disturbance, and alterations in bowel activity.The specific etiology is unknown; however, changes in muscle histology, energy metabolism, oxygen utilization, and the neuroendocrine stress-response system have been postulated to play a role in the development and persistence of this disorder.
[1] Low levels of muscle adenine nucleotides, reflected in depleted energy reserves and an imbalance in cellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate:adenosine 5'-diphosphate:adenosine 5'-monophosphate (ATP:ADP:AMP) ratios with an abnormal energy charge, have been reported.[2-4] The unknown cause and varying presenting symptoms make fibromyalgia a therapeutic challenge for practitioners.[5-7]
Routine daily exercise programs, dietary modifications, alternative therapies such as biofeedback and hypnotherapy, and nutraceuticals such as S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) have also been explored.[9]
Unfortunately, less than 50% of patients achieve any meaningful relief of their symptoms with use of those therapies.[5]We describe the case of a patient with fibromyalgia who had symptomatic relief when ribose was added to her existing treatment regimen.
There have been anecdotal reports on the benefits of ribose in patients with fibromyalgia in whom conventional therapies have failed; however, to our knowledge, this is the first published case of use of ribose for this syndrome.
Case ReportA 37-year-old woman had daily episodes of intense musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, mental "cloudiness," bouts of diarrhea, and sleep disturbance. As she was a surgeon, these symptoms compromised the skills necessary to perform her daily duties in the operating room. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by exclusion of other diseases and syndromes and in accordance with the American College of Rheumatology criteria.[10]
The patient was treated with ibuprofen 800 mg twice/day, valdecoxib 10 mg once/day, diphenhydramine 50 mg-acetaminophen 1000 mg at bedtime, and physical therapy once/day. She stated that this therapeutic regimen had limited benefit and that the adverse effects from these drugs further impaired her ability to perform her operative duties.
Approximately 7 months later, in addition to her regular drug therapy, the patient began taking CORvalen (Bioenergy, Inc., Ham Lake, MN), a ribose-based product. She took 5 g of CORvalen mixed in water twice/day. She experienced no adverse effects, and after 14 days she reported a decrease in her symptoms. Specifically, she noted an improvement in sleep, mental alertness, a marked decrease in joint pain, and normal stools.
This trend continued, and after an additional month of CORvalen therapy she reported near-normal functioning with a major reduction in her symptoms.After another month of taking CORvalen and feeling "normal," the patient elected to discontinue the drug. Within 7 days, she regressed to her initial fibromyalgia state, as reflected in joint pain, sleep disturbance, morning stiffness, trigger-point flares, and diarrhea. She resumed taking CORvalen, at the same dosage as before, and a major reduction in her symptoms again occurred within 14 days. She noted continual benefit for the next month while taking CORvalen. She stopped taking the drug for a second time after this additional 30-day period, and once again she experienced a reemergence of symptoms.
When CORvalen was restarted for a third time, the patient's symptoms again subsided.At the time of this writing, the patient was continuing to take CORvalen and was satisfied that her symptoms had abated.DiscussionRibose is a simple carbohydrate that plays a role in high-energy phosphate and nucleic acid synthesis. After ischemia or hypoxia, myocytes have decreased levels of ATP and total adenine nucleotides. Several days are required for their recovery once normoxia has been reestablished.[11-13] In patients with chronic hypoxic conditions, the cellular energy charge may never be fully regained.[14]These cells have the capacity to regenerate ATP; however, the pentose phosphate pathway of glucose metabolism utilized in the formation of the ribose that is needed to drive the regenerative process is slow in both heart and skeletal muscle cells due to poor expression of specific rate-limiting enzymes.
Supplemental ribose has been shown to enhance the synthesis of adenine nucleotides, rebuilding depressed energy pools in both the heart and skeletal muscle after an ischemic or hypoxic insult.[11, 12] Ribose bypasses the rate-limiting enzymatic steps of the pentose phosphate pathway and accelerates the formation of ATP and subsequent tissue recovery.[15]
Supplemental ribose is initially converted to ribose-5-phosphate, subsequently forming 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate, a molecule key to the synthesis of ATP through the de novo purine nucleotide pathway. The safety of ribose has been investigated in standard laboratory and animal toxicology models and in human studies both subjectively and objectively.
Investigators have concluded that ribose is well tolerated at dosages of up to 60 g/day, with no significant adverse effects.[16]Ribose has been shown to improve the energy recovery time in skeletal muscle and to relieve fatigue, soreness, and stiffness after intense exercise.[12, 13, 17] It also has been reported to have a beneficial effect after high-intensity exercise in sports medicine.One study concluded that ribose accelerated the replenishment of ATP after intense muscle contractions,[18] and bodybuilders and sprinters have reported subjective and objective benefits during exercise after the administration of ribose.[18-20] However, other reports have shown inconsistent results for ribose in relation to improving short-term anaerobic exercise performance, muscle strength, endurance, or body composition during cycling or resistance training.[20, 21]
Ribose has also been investigated for its potential medical efficacy in both animal studies and human clinical trials. To date, the most promising data have been reported in connection with the application of ribose in cardiovascular disease. Both short-term and long-term animal studies found that the use of ribose after myocardial ischemia resulted in enhanced recovery of ATP along with improved diastolic functional parameters.[22, 23]
Clinical benefits have also been observed. Patients with coronary artery disease or heart failure have decreased myocardial ATP levels. Daily supplemental ribose has been shown to improve cardiac function, increase exercise tolerance, and enhance quality of life in this population.[24]Patients with fibromyalgia may experience an alteration in physiologic muscle metabolism. It has been found that they reach the anaerobic threshold in their muscles earlier, thereby using less of the available energy-rich phosphate metabolites at maximal work capacity.[25]
In another study, patients with fibromyalgia were reported to have a potential abnormality in high-energy phosphate metabolism, as evidenced by significantly lower levels of ATP and ADP in affected muscles as compared with patients without the disease.[2]
Theoretically, the effect of ribose on increasing the muscle energy pool could reduce the metabolic strain in affected muscles and allow patients to assume a more active lifestyle. Considering the known musculoskeletal symptomatology in this syndrome and the reported benefits of ribose in skeletal muscle metabolism and physiology, supplemental ribose appears to have aided our patient in improving her quality of life.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia presents a continuing therapeutic challenge. Ribose is a naturally occurring carbohydrate with documented medical benefits in patients with cardiovascular disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report to suggest its potential benefit in a patient with fibromyalgia, who had had suboptimal results with conventional therapies. We are designing a trial using objective outcome measures to further evaluate the effectiveness of this product in patients with fibromyalgiaPharmacotherapy 24(11):1646-1648, 2004. © 2004
Pharmacotherapy PublicationsReferences:1. Olson NJ, Park JH. Skeletal muscle abnormalities in patients with fibromyalgia. Am J Med Sci 1998;315:351-8.2. Bengtsson A, Henriksson KG, Larsson J. Reduced high-energy phosphate levels in the painful muscles of patients with primary fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 1986;29:817-21.3. Eisinger J, Plantamura A, Ayavou T. Glycolysis abnormalities in fibromyalgia. J Am Coll Nutr 1994;13:144-8.4. Park JH, Phothimat P, Oates CT, Hernaz-Schulman M, Olsen NJ. Use of P-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect metabolic abnormalities in muscles of patients with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 1998;41:406-13.5. Leventhal LJ. Management of fibromyalgia. Ann Intern Med 1999;131:850-7.6. Friedberg F, Jason LA. Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: clinical assessment and treatment. J Clin Psychol 2001;57:433-55. Lash AA, Ehrlich-Jones L, McCoy D. Fibromyalgia: evolving concepts and management in primary care settings. Medsurg Nurs 2003;12:145-59, 190.7. Briley M, Moret C. Fibromyalgia syndrome: an overview of potential drug targets. Drugs 2003;6:668-73.8. Holdcraft LC, Assefi N, Buchwald D. Complementary and alternative medicine in fibromyalgia and related syndromes. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2003;17:667-83.9. Wolfe F, for the American College of Rheumatology. Criteria for the classification of fibromyalgia: report of the multi-center criteria committee. Arthritis Rheum 1990;33:160-72.10. St Cyr J, Bianco R, Schneider J, et al. Enhanced high energy phosphate recovery with ribose infusion after global myocardial ischemia in a canine model. J Surg Res 1989;42:157-62.11. Hellsten Y, Skadhauge L, Bangsbo J. Effect of ribose supplementation on resynthesis of adenine nucleotides after intense intermittent training in humans. Am J Physiol Integr Comp Physiol 2004;286:R182-8.12. Williamson DL, Gallagher PM, Goddard MP, Witter J, Trappe S. Effects of ribose supplementation on adenine nucleotide concentration in skeletal muscle following high-intensity exercise [abstr]. Med Sci Sport Exer 2001;33(5 suppl).13. Ingwall JS. ATP and the heart. Boston: Kluwer Academic, 2002:55-95.14. Pauly DF, Pepine CJ. D-ribose as a supplement for cardiac energy metabolism. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2000;5: 249-58.15. Pliml W, von Arnim T, Stablein A, Hoffman H, Zimmer HG, Erdmann E. Effects of ribose on exercise-induced ischaemia in stable coronary artery disease. Lancet 1992;340:507-10.16. Butler T, St Cyr J. Use of ribose to prevent cramps and soreness in muscles. U.S. patent 6159943. December 12, 2000.17. Zarzeczny R, Brault JJ, Abraham KA, Hancock C, Terjung R. Influence of ribose on adenine salvage after intense muscle contractions. J Appl Physiol 2001;91:1775-81.18. Van Gammeren D, Antonio J, Falk D. The effects of four weeks of ribose supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in healthy, young, male recreational bodybuilders: a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Cur Therapeut Res 2002;63:486-95.19. Berandi JM, Ziegenfuss TN. Effects of ribose supplementation on repeated sprint performance in men. J Strength Cond Res 2003;17:47-52.20. Falk DJ, Heelan KA, Thyfault JP, Koch AJ. Effects of effervescent creatine, ribose, and glutamine supplementation on muscular strength, muscular endurance, and body composition. J Strength Cond Res 2003;17:810-16.21. Schneider J, St Cyr J, Mahoney J, Bianco R, Ring W, Foker J. Recovery of ATP and return of function after global ischemia [abstr]. Circulation 1985;72(4 pt 2):III-298.22. Zimmer HG. Normalization of depressed heart function in rats by ribose. Science 1983;220:81-2.23. Omran H, Illien S, MacCarter D, St Cyr J, Luderitz B. D-ribose improves diastolic function and quality of life in congestive heart failure patients: a prospective feasibility study. Eur J Heart Failure 2003;5:615-19.24. Lund E, Kendall SA, Janerot-Sjoberg B, Bengtsson A. Muscle metabolism in fibromyalgia studied by P-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy during aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Scand J Rheumatol 2003;32:138-45.Source: MedScape
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Vitamin D Could Save Your Life!
Vitamin D Could Save Your Life!
Use only natural forms of vitamin D, NOT synthetic supplements
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is becoming alarmingly common since the misguided medical advice to avoid sunshine (which makes over 90% of our Vitamin D). Vitamin D is not only a vitamin, but also an important hormone, with deficiencies causing widespread problems. In fact, Vitamin D deficiency in the US alone:
1.
Is estimated to cause severe immune dysfunction, causing 85,000 extra cancer deaths a year.
2.
Increases osteoporosis.
3.
Increases pain in chronic pain conditions.
4.
Not only increases osteoporosis, but also the risk of falling .
5.
Significantly increases the risk of Multiple Sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes.
In addition to the above, treatment with Vitamin D can also improve lung function and help people with asthma, while also decreasing the risk of heart disease, hypertension and stroke.
Because Vitamin D is stored in the fatty tissue (fat soluble) instead of being washed out in the urine (water soluble), it is possible to overdose if you get too much. This unnecessarily scares people away from getting the optimal dose, as even 10 times our current RDA ("Ridiculously Low Allowance") of 400 IU/day for Vitamin D is safe (consult your physician if you have an unusual condition resulting in high blood or tissue calcium levels). For those with decreased bone density, I recommend 2000-4000 units a day. Otherwise, 1000-2000 units a day is optimal.
Most importantly, remember to go for walks and get your sunshine—which is good for you. For optimal health, AVOID SUNBURN—NOT SUNSHINE.
Vitamin D Deficiency is Very Common
The importance of Vitamin D deficiency is finally gaining increasing attention. This nutrient deficiency is critical, causing tens of thousands of unnecessary deaths in the U.S. each year. Because of this, and the deadly recommendation to avoid being out in the sun without sunscreen that people are given, I am going to cover the importance of this nutrient in depth.
Vitamin D deficiency is common. In fact, a review in the Mayo Clinic Journal showed that approximately 36 percent of healthy young adults and 57 percent of general medicine inpatients in the United States have inadequate levels of vitamin D.59 Vitamin D deficiency is even more common in people with chronic pain.
This problem has increased since skin cancer awareness prompted many to fore go sunshine. The misguided advice from well-meaning doctors and media outlets was given to decrease the number of dangerous skin cancers called melanomas—a worthy goal. However, 90 percent of our Vitamin D comes from the sun, and the skin cancers usually caused by sunshine (e.g., basal cell cancers) are usually quite benign and easy to treat. In fact, most melanomas are not in sun-exposed areas; they develop on skin covered by clothing. It is likely that the increase in melanomas is mostly occurring because of changes in diet, environment and sleep, which are resulting in weakened immune systems. A good rule to remember is to avoid sunburn, not sunshine.
Many other cancers increase in the face of Vitamin D deficiency and it is currently estimated that the advice to avoid sunshine is resulting in as many as 85,550 unnecessary cancer deaths each year.60 To give a few examples, increasing Vitamin D levels is associated with:
1.
A decrease in lymphomas and leukemia (malignant white blood cell cancers).61-64
2.
A 50% decrease in breast and colon cancer risk.65-67
3.
A lower prostate cancer risk.68
4.
Lung cancer protection.69
5.
A 30% drop in ovarian cancer.70
In addition to causing upwards of 85,000 unnecessary cancer deaths each year, Vitamin D, deficiency also contributes to weak bones and osteoporosis. Vitamin D is low in 98 percent of the elderly who break their hip, a major cause of these people losing mobility and therefore being in nursing homes.71,72 And, vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women actually increases the risk of her child developing osteoporosis.73,74
Vitamin D deficiency is wreaking havoc in many other ways as well. It is critical in regulating immune function, and Vitamin D deficiency is implicated in Multiple Sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis,75 inflammatory bowel disease76 and diabetes.77-81 Treatment with Vitamin D can also improve lung function and help people with asthma,82-85 while also decreasing the risk of heart disease86 and stroke.87
This leaves the question of what level of supplementation is optimal. I concur with Dr. Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari, from the Harvard School of Public Health who notes "Recent evidence suggests that Vitamin D intakes above current recommendations may be associated with better health outcomes. An intake for all adults of (at least) 1,000 IU of Vitamin D/day is needed."88,89
Reprinted with permission from my book "From Fatigued to Fantastic!" (Penguin / Avery Oct 2007).
Use only natural forms of vitamin D, NOT synthetic supplements
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is becoming alarmingly common since the misguided medical advice to avoid sunshine (which makes over 90% of our Vitamin D). Vitamin D is not only a vitamin, but also an important hormone, with deficiencies causing widespread problems. In fact, Vitamin D deficiency in the US alone:
1.
Is estimated to cause severe immune dysfunction, causing 85,000 extra cancer deaths a year.
2.
Increases osteoporosis.
3.
Increases pain in chronic pain conditions.
4.
Not only increases osteoporosis, but also the risk of falling .
5.
Significantly increases the risk of Multiple Sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes.
In addition to the above, treatment with Vitamin D can also improve lung function and help people with asthma, while also decreasing the risk of heart disease, hypertension and stroke.
Because Vitamin D is stored in the fatty tissue (fat soluble) instead of being washed out in the urine (water soluble), it is possible to overdose if you get too much. This unnecessarily scares people away from getting the optimal dose, as even 10 times our current RDA ("Ridiculously Low Allowance") of 400 IU/day for Vitamin D is safe (consult your physician if you have an unusual condition resulting in high blood or tissue calcium levels). For those with decreased bone density, I recommend 2000-4000 units a day. Otherwise, 1000-2000 units a day is optimal.
Most importantly, remember to go for walks and get your sunshine—which is good for you. For optimal health, AVOID SUNBURN—NOT SUNSHINE.
Vitamin D Deficiency is Very Common
The importance of Vitamin D deficiency is finally gaining increasing attention. This nutrient deficiency is critical, causing tens of thousands of unnecessary deaths in the U.S. each year. Because of this, and the deadly recommendation to avoid being out in the sun without sunscreen that people are given, I am going to cover the importance of this nutrient in depth.
Vitamin D deficiency is common. In fact, a review in the Mayo Clinic Journal showed that approximately 36 percent of healthy young adults and 57 percent of general medicine inpatients in the United States have inadequate levels of vitamin D.59 Vitamin D deficiency is even more common in people with chronic pain.
This problem has increased since skin cancer awareness prompted many to fore go sunshine. The misguided advice from well-meaning doctors and media outlets was given to decrease the number of dangerous skin cancers called melanomas—a worthy goal. However, 90 percent of our Vitamin D comes from the sun, and the skin cancers usually caused by sunshine (e.g., basal cell cancers) are usually quite benign and easy to treat. In fact, most melanomas are not in sun-exposed areas; they develop on skin covered by clothing. It is likely that the increase in melanomas is mostly occurring because of changes in diet, environment and sleep, which are resulting in weakened immune systems. A good rule to remember is to avoid sunburn, not sunshine.
Many other cancers increase in the face of Vitamin D deficiency and it is currently estimated that the advice to avoid sunshine is resulting in as many as 85,550 unnecessary cancer deaths each year.60 To give a few examples, increasing Vitamin D levels is associated with:
1.
A decrease in lymphomas and leukemia (malignant white blood cell cancers).61-64
2.
A 50% decrease in breast and colon cancer risk.65-67
3.
A lower prostate cancer risk.68
4.
Lung cancer protection.69
5.
A 30% drop in ovarian cancer.70
In addition to causing upwards of 85,000 unnecessary cancer deaths each year, Vitamin D, deficiency also contributes to weak bones and osteoporosis. Vitamin D is low in 98 percent of the elderly who break their hip, a major cause of these people losing mobility and therefore being in nursing homes.71,72 And, vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women actually increases the risk of her child developing osteoporosis.73,74
Vitamin D deficiency is wreaking havoc in many other ways as well. It is critical in regulating immune function, and Vitamin D deficiency is implicated in Multiple Sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis,75 inflammatory bowel disease76 and diabetes.77-81 Treatment with Vitamin D can also improve lung function and help people with asthma,82-85 while also decreasing the risk of heart disease86 and stroke.87
This leaves the question of what level of supplementation is optimal. I concur with Dr. Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari, from the Harvard School of Public Health who notes "Recent evidence suggests that Vitamin D intakes above current recommendations may be associated with better health outcomes. An intake for all adults of (at least) 1,000 IU of Vitamin D/day is needed."88,89
Reprinted with permission from my book "From Fatigued to Fantastic!" (Penguin / Avery Oct 2007).
Missing Nutrients
Many people, desperate for relief from constant suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic pain, have opted for surgery, physical therapy and/or pain medications, including anti-depressants, and still they say "I hurt all over."
Using prescription medications, such as antidepressants, tranquilizers and pain medications, only treats the symptoms. Prescription medications only use the current supply of neurotransmitters and nutrients and do not create any new neurotransmitters (the chemical language of the brain).
Pain, stress, anxiety and depression burn the amino acids and minerals the body must have for proper functioning. One must constantly replenish the brain with needed nutrients.
When nutrient deficiencies are reversed, then the problem is addressed and healing is enhanced. The proper nutrients can have a positive effect on pain and the anxiety and depression that come with it.
To focus on assisting those who suffer from FM and chronic pain, it is necessary to understand what is happening in the body and the brain. An increased level of muscle tissue breakdown has been suggested as one of the main reasons for aching, pain and fatigue. The onset may be gradual or sudden. Symptoms may appear after an illness or a traumatic or stressful episode in one's life.
FM can occur within the muscles or where muscles join their tendons, rather than in the joints. Tension and stress, poor posture, rapid repetitive motions or incorrectly using the muscles to push, lift or pull can aggravate FM.
Anxiety and depression will almost always follow.
A major factor in the successful treatment of FM, as well as chronic pain, is specific nutrients that exert a strong regenerative effect on the body's systems, including the nervous system.
Missing Nutrients
Recent research has shown that FM patients may be deficient in certain compounds required for the synthesis of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
One of the most crucial elements for ATP synthesis is magnesium. Research suggests FM patients have below-normal levels of magnesium. Low levels of magnesium can contribute to PMS, headaches, muscle cramping, muscle spasms, heart palpitations and even heart attacks. Many common foods Americans eat deplete magnesium reserves. According to reports, at least 85 percent of magnesium is removed by eating bleached and refined flour in breads, pasta and other prepared wheat products.
Soft drinks have a high phosphorus content, which also reduces magnesium levels in the body. Even high-calcium supplementation, without adequate magnesium, will deplete the body's level of magnesium.
Malic Acid
Aluminum toxicity may play a role in symptoms experienced by magnesium-deficient FM patients. As a preventative measure, adequate amounts of magnesium can help block the toxic effects of aluminum. However, the most potent; aluminum detoxifier is malic acid. Malic acid is especially effective at decreasing aluminum toxicity in the brain. Alzheimer's Disease patients have been found to have unusually high levels of aluminum in their brains. It was once assumed that these people had ingested large amounts of aluminum during their lifetimes. However, while that may be true, it is now thought that how much aluminum is consumed is not nearly as important as how well our bodies can detoxify and eliminate the substance.
Treatment with malic acid has been shown to greatly increase the fecal and urinary excretion of aluminum and reduce the concentration of aluminum found in various organs and tissues.
Clinical tests are proving malic acid to be a great asset in the treatment of FM and chronic pain. In one clinical study, reported in "The Journal of Nutritional Medicine," 15 patients (aged 32-60) taking a dosage of 200-2400 mg. of maIic acid with 300-600 mg of magnesium for four to eight weeks, reported significant pain relief within 48 hours. These positive effects continued to increase over the test period.
The mineral manganese and B complex vitamins have also been shown to be deficient in both CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and FM sufferers. Combinations of GABA, glutamine and glycine, (inhibitory neurotransmitters) have been helpful in lowering stress levels by controlling limbic firing in the brain.
Using prescription medications, such as antidepressants, tranquilizers and pain medications, only treats the symptoms. Prescription medications only use the current supply of neurotransmitters and nutrients and do not create any new neurotransmitters (the chemical language of the brain).
Pain, stress, anxiety and depression burn the amino acids and minerals the body must have for proper functioning. One must constantly replenish the brain with needed nutrients.
When nutrient deficiencies are reversed, then the problem is addressed and healing is enhanced. The proper nutrients can have a positive effect on pain and the anxiety and depression that come with it.
To focus on assisting those who suffer from FM and chronic pain, it is necessary to understand what is happening in the body and the brain. An increased level of muscle tissue breakdown has been suggested as one of the main reasons for aching, pain and fatigue. The onset may be gradual or sudden. Symptoms may appear after an illness or a traumatic or stressful episode in one's life.
FM can occur within the muscles or where muscles join their tendons, rather than in the joints. Tension and stress, poor posture, rapid repetitive motions or incorrectly using the muscles to push, lift or pull can aggravate FM.
Anxiety and depression will almost always follow.
A major factor in the successful treatment of FM, as well as chronic pain, is specific nutrients that exert a strong regenerative effect on the body's systems, including the nervous system.
Missing Nutrients
Recent research has shown that FM patients may be deficient in certain compounds required for the synthesis of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
One of the most crucial elements for ATP synthesis is magnesium. Research suggests FM patients have below-normal levels of magnesium. Low levels of magnesium can contribute to PMS, headaches, muscle cramping, muscle spasms, heart palpitations and even heart attacks. Many common foods Americans eat deplete magnesium reserves. According to reports, at least 85 percent of magnesium is removed by eating bleached and refined flour in breads, pasta and other prepared wheat products.
Soft drinks have a high phosphorus content, which also reduces magnesium levels in the body. Even high-calcium supplementation, without adequate magnesium, will deplete the body's level of magnesium.
Malic Acid
Aluminum toxicity may play a role in symptoms experienced by magnesium-deficient FM patients. As a preventative measure, adequate amounts of magnesium can help block the toxic effects of aluminum. However, the most potent; aluminum detoxifier is malic acid. Malic acid is especially effective at decreasing aluminum toxicity in the brain. Alzheimer's Disease patients have been found to have unusually high levels of aluminum in their brains. It was once assumed that these people had ingested large amounts of aluminum during their lifetimes. However, while that may be true, it is now thought that how much aluminum is consumed is not nearly as important as how well our bodies can detoxify and eliminate the substance.
Treatment with malic acid has been shown to greatly increase the fecal and urinary excretion of aluminum and reduce the concentration of aluminum found in various organs and tissues.
Clinical tests are proving malic acid to be a great asset in the treatment of FM and chronic pain. In one clinical study, reported in "The Journal of Nutritional Medicine," 15 patients (aged 32-60) taking a dosage of 200-2400 mg. of maIic acid with 300-600 mg of magnesium for four to eight weeks, reported significant pain relief within 48 hours. These positive effects continued to increase over the test period.
The mineral manganese and B complex vitamins have also been shown to be deficient in both CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and FM sufferers. Combinations of GABA, glutamine and glycine, (inhibitory neurotransmitters) have been helpful in lowering stress levels by controlling limbic firing in the brain.
Special Report: Condition Specific Nutrition CORvalenM
Special Report: Condition Specific Nutrition CORvalenM by John St. Cyr, M.D.
Buy Ribose, CorvalenM or Corvalen at the lowest price with FREE Shipping
CORvalenM™ is the common denominator for all individuals needing to restore cellular energy. As a product extension of CORvalen, a medical food for heart disease patients, it was created to help those suffering from myalgia and chronic fatigue. However, because of the benefits CORvalenM provided to its users, it was also discovered that active individuals could reap the benefits of this natural supplement.
The Ingredients
A variety of conditions can leave people constantly fatigued, short of breath, stiff and sore, making it impossible to face life’s daily activities. Over exertion of or exercise weaken muscles and drain energy reserves, leaving people tired and achy. Often, this fatigue, shortness of breath, soreness, stiffness, and general lack of well-being are associated with depleted energy from the cells and tissues.
CORvalenM, with D-ribose, magnesium and malic acid (three substances found naturally in your body) has been clinically proven to be critical in rebuilding cellular energy. The results are dramatic, with people feeling less pain and more energy. D-ribose, the main ingredient in CORvalenM, is a fivecarbon monosaccharide that is vital for the cellular synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the energy of life, and ribose is the fundamental building block of ATP. Without ribose, the process of energy synthesis slows dramatically. Ribose has been clinically proven to effectively speed energy recovery in cells and to improve cardiac function, muscle recovery, and overall quality of life.
The Benefits
Whether suffering from myalgia or chronic fatigue, or needing to recover faster during endurance training, CORvalenM is the perfect natural supplement. When hard work, strenuous exercise, or certain medical conditions stress cells, cellular energy is burned faster than it can be restored. The result is pain, soreness, stiffness, and fatigue. Healthy cells often can rebuild these energy levels eventually, but the process is slow. And chronically energy-starved cells may never fully recover. CORvalenM accelerates this recovery. From endurance athletes to active people who like to run or take a long walk, high energy levels are important to everyone. But energy is especially critical to people who suffer from debilitating myalgia, soreness, stiffness, and fatigue. By taking CORvalenM, normal energy levels are restored and the whole body feels more energetic. More importantly, people taking CORvalenM report an increased sense of well-being and an improved quality of life. CORvalenM is proven safe, effective and beneficial to those needing to restore energy, minimize fatigue and alleviate muscle pain, soreness and stiffness.
Buy Ribose, CorvalenM or Corvalen at the lowest price with FREE Shipping
CORvalenM™ is the common denominator for all individuals needing to restore cellular energy. As a product extension of CORvalen, a medical food for heart disease patients, it was created to help those suffering from myalgia and chronic fatigue. However, because of the benefits CORvalenM provided to its users, it was also discovered that active individuals could reap the benefits of this natural supplement.
The Ingredients
A variety of conditions can leave people constantly fatigued, short of breath, stiff and sore, making it impossible to face life’s daily activities. Over exertion of or exercise weaken muscles and drain energy reserves, leaving people tired and achy. Often, this fatigue, shortness of breath, soreness, stiffness, and general lack of well-being are associated with depleted energy from the cells and tissues.
CORvalenM, with D-ribose, magnesium and malic acid (three substances found naturally in your body) has been clinically proven to be critical in rebuilding cellular energy. The results are dramatic, with people feeling less pain and more energy. D-ribose, the main ingredient in CORvalenM, is a fivecarbon monosaccharide that is vital for the cellular synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the energy of life, and ribose is the fundamental building block of ATP. Without ribose, the process of energy synthesis slows dramatically. Ribose has been clinically proven to effectively speed energy recovery in cells and to improve cardiac function, muscle recovery, and overall quality of life.
The Benefits
Whether suffering from myalgia or chronic fatigue, or needing to recover faster during endurance training, CORvalenM is the perfect natural supplement. When hard work, strenuous exercise, or certain medical conditions stress cells, cellular energy is burned faster than it can be restored. The result is pain, soreness, stiffness, and fatigue. Healthy cells often can rebuild these energy levels eventually, but the process is slow. And chronically energy-starved cells may never fully recover. CORvalenM accelerates this recovery. From endurance athletes to active people who like to run or take a long walk, high energy levels are important to everyone. But energy is especially critical to people who suffer from debilitating myalgia, soreness, stiffness, and fatigue. By taking CORvalenM, normal energy levels are restored and the whole body feels more energetic. More importantly, people taking CORvalenM report an increased sense of well-being and an improved quality of life. CORvalenM is proven safe, effective and beneficial to those needing to restore energy, minimize fatigue and alleviate muscle pain, soreness and stiffness.
Fibromyalgia, Pain Relief & Energy with Malic Acid
Malic Acid, Energy, & Fibromyalgia
Improvement in pain observed within 48 hours of supplementation with 1200-2400 mg. of malic acid per day. Buy Metagenics Fibroplex with magnesium and malic acid at a discount
Combine Bioenergy Corvalen Ribose with Metagenics Fibroplex for muscle pains and energy - Corvalen Lowest Price with Free Shipping
Primary fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition affecting principally middle-aged women, characterized by a syndrome of generalized musculoskeletal pain, aches, stiffness, and tenderness at specific anatomical sites. This condition is considered primary when there are no obvious causes. Since it was first described, FM has become recognized as a fairly common rheumatic complaint with a clinical prevalence of 6 to 20 percent. Additionally, FM has been associated with irritable bowel syndrome, tension headache, mitral valve prolapse, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Numerous treatment modalities have been attempted to treat patients with FM, but unfortunately the results have usually been poor. The primary reason for this lack of success was undoubtedly due to our lack of understanding FMs etiology.
In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that FM is the result of local hypoxia in the muscles. For instance, patients with FM have low muscle-tissue oxygen pressure in affected muscles, and to a lesser degree the same was found in other tissues. Muscle biopsies from affected areas showed muscle tissue breakdown and mitochondrial damage. Additionally, low levels of the high energy phosphates ATP, ADP, and phosphocreatine were found.
It has been hypothesized that in hypoxic muscle tissues glycolysis is inhibited, reducing ATP synthesis. This stimulates the process of gluconeogenesis, which results in the breakdown of muscle proteins to amino acids that can be utilized as substrates for ATP synthesis. This muscle tissue breakdown, which has been observed in muscle biopsies taken from FM patients, is hypothesized to result in the muscle pain characteristic of FM.
Malic acid is both derived from food sources and synthesized in the body through the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. Its importance to the production of energy in the body during both aerobic and anaerobic conditions is well established. Under aerobic conditions, the oxidation of malate to oxaloacetate provides reducing equivalents to the mitochondria through the malate-aspartate redox shuttle. During anaerobic conditions, where a buildup of excess of reducing equivalents inhibits glycolysis, malic acids simultaneous reduction to succinate and oxidation to oxaloacetate is capable of removing the accumulating reducing equivalents. This allows malic acid to reverse hypoxias inhibition of glycolysis and energy production. This may allow malic acid to improve energy production in FM, reversing the negative effect of the relative hypoxia that has been found in these patients.Because of its obvious relationship to energy depletion during exercise, malic acid may be of benefit to healthy individuals interested in maximizing their energy production, as well as those with FM.
In the rat it has been found that only tissue malate is depleted following exhaustive physical activity. Other key metabolites from the citric acid cycle needed for energy production were found to be unchanged. Because of this, a deficiency of malic acid has been hypothesized to be a major cause of physical exhaustion. The administration of malic acid to rats has been shown to elevate mitochondrial malate and increase mitochondrial respiration and energy production. Surprisingly, relatively small amounts of exogenous malic acid were required to increase mitochondrial energy production and ATP formation.
Under hypoxic conditions there is an increased demand and utilization of malic acid, and this demand is normally met by increasing the synthesis of malic acid through gluconeogenesis and muscle proteinbreakdown. This ultimately results in muscle breakdown and damage.In a study on the effect of the oral administration of malic acid to rats, a significant increase in anaerobic endurance was found. Interestingly, the improvement in endurance was not accompanied by an increase in carbohydrate and oxygen utilization, suggesting that malic acid has carbohydrate and oxygen-sparing effects. In addition, malic acid is the only metabolite of the citric acid cycle positively correlated with physical activity. It has also been demonstrated that exercise-induced mitochondrial respiration is associated with an accumulation of malic acid.
In humans, endurance training is associated with a significant increase in the enzymes involved with malic acid metabolism.Because of the compelling evidence that malic acid plays a central role in energy production, especially during hypoxic conditions, malic acid supplements have been examined for their effects on FM. Subjective improvement in pain was observed within 48 hours of supplementation with 1200 - 2400 milligrams of malic acid, and this improvement was lost following the discontinuation of malic acid for 48 hours.
While these studies also used magnesium supplements, due to the fact that magnesium is often low in FM patients, the rapid improvement following malic acid, as well as the rapid deterioration after discontinuation, suggests that malic acid is the most important component. This interesting theory of localized hypoxia in FM, and the ability of malic acid to overcome the block in energy production that this causes, should provide hope for those afflicted with FM.
The potential for malic acid supplements, however, reaches much farther than FM. In light of malic acids ability to improve animal exercise performance, its potential for human athletes is particularly exciting.Additionally, many hypoxia related conditions, such as respiratory and circulatory insufficiency, are associated with deficient energy production. Therefore, malic acid supplements may be of benefit in these conditions.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has also been found to be associated with FM, and malic acid supplementation may be of use in improving energy production in this condition as well. Lastly, malic acid may be of use as a general supplement aimed at ensuring an optimal level of malic acid within the cells, and thus, maintaining an optimal level of energy production.
Metagenics Fibroplex has: Thiamin (as thiamin mononitrate) 50 mgVitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl) 50 mgMagnesium (as magnesium bis-glycinate†) 150 mgManganese (as manganese glycinate†) 5 mg., Malic Acid 600 mg
Metagenics Fibroplex® Plus - Support for Muscle Tenderness and DiscomfortFibroplex® Plus provides targeted nutritional support for soft tissues in those with muscle tenderness and discomfort. Featuring a blend of specific vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in an easy-to-use delivery form, this specialized formula works by supporting cellular energy production and muscular and nervous system function.
Improvement in pain observed within 48 hours of supplementation with 1200-2400 mg. of malic acid per day. Buy Metagenics Fibroplex with magnesium and malic acid at a discount
Combine Bioenergy Corvalen Ribose with Metagenics Fibroplex for muscle pains and energy - Corvalen Lowest Price with Free Shipping
Primary fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition affecting principally middle-aged women, characterized by a syndrome of generalized musculoskeletal pain, aches, stiffness, and tenderness at specific anatomical sites. This condition is considered primary when there are no obvious causes. Since it was first described, FM has become recognized as a fairly common rheumatic complaint with a clinical prevalence of 6 to 20 percent. Additionally, FM has been associated with irritable bowel syndrome, tension headache, mitral valve prolapse, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Numerous treatment modalities have been attempted to treat patients with FM, but unfortunately the results have usually been poor. The primary reason for this lack of success was undoubtedly due to our lack of understanding FMs etiology.
In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that FM is the result of local hypoxia in the muscles. For instance, patients with FM have low muscle-tissue oxygen pressure in affected muscles, and to a lesser degree the same was found in other tissues. Muscle biopsies from affected areas showed muscle tissue breakdown and mitochondrial damage. Additionally, low levels of the high energy phosphates ATP, ADP, and phosphocreatine were found.
It has been hypothesized that in hypoxic muscle tissues glycolysis is inhibited, reducing ATP synthesis. This stimulates the process of gluconeogenesis, which results in the breakdown of muscle proteins to amino acids that can be utilized as substrates for ATP synthesis. This muscle tissue breakdown, which has been observed in muscle biopsies taken from FM patients, is hypothesized to result in the muscle pain characteristic of FM.
Malic acid is both derived from food sources and synthesized in the body through the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. Its importance to the production of energy in the body during both aerobic and anaerobic conditions is well established. Under aerobic conditions, the oxidation of malate to oxaloacetate provides reducing equivalents to the mitochondria through the malate-aspartate redox shuttle. During anaerobic conditions, where a buildup of excess of reducing equivalents inhibits glycolysis, malic acids simultaneous reduction to succinate and oxidation to oxaloacetate is capable of removing the accumulating reducing equivalents. This allows malic acid to reverse hypoxias inhibition of glycolysis and energy production. This may allow malic acid to improve energy production in FM, reversing the negative effect of the relative hypoxia that has been found in these patients.Because of its obvious relationship to energy depletion during exercise, malic acid may be of benefit to healthy individuals interested in maximizing their energy production, as well as those with FM.
In the rat it has been found that only tissue malate is depleted following exhaustive physical activity. Other key metabolites from the citric acid cycle needed for energy production were found to be unchanged. Because of this, a deficiency of malic acid has been hypothesized to be a major cause of physical exhaustion. The administration of malic acid to rats has been shown to elevate mitochondrial malate and increase mitochondrial respiration and energy production. Surprisingly, relatively small amounts of exogenous malic acid were required to increase mitochondrial energy production and ATP formation.
Under hypoxic conditions there is an increased demand and utilization of malic acid, and this demand is normally met by increasing the synthesis of malic acid through gluconeogenesis and muscle proteinbreakdown. This ultimately results in muscle breakdown and damage.In a study on the effect of the oral administration of malic acid to rats, a significant increase in anaerobic endurance was found. Interestingly, the improvement in endurance was not accompanied by an increase in carbohydrate and oxygen utilization, suggesting that malic acid has carbohydrate and oxygen-sparing effects. In addition, malic acid is the only metabolite of the citric acid cycle positively correlated with physical activity. It has also been demonstrated that exercise-induced mitochondrial respiration is associated with an accumulation of malic acid.
In humans, endurance training is associated with a significant increase in the enzymes involved with malic acid metabolism.Because of the compelling evidence that malic acid plays a central role in energy production, especially during hypoxic conditions, malic acid supplements have been examined for their effects on FM. Subjective improvement in pain was observed within 48 hours of supplementation with 1200 - 2400 milligrams of malic acid, and this improvement was lost following the discontinuation of malic acid for 48 hours.
While these studies also used magnesium supplements, due to the fact that magnesium is often low in FM patients, the rapid improvement following malic acid, as well as the rapid deterioration after discontinuation, suggests that malic acid is the most important component. This interesting theory of localized hypoxia in FM, and the ability of malic acid to overcome the block in energy production that this causes, should provide hope for those afflicted with FM.
The potential for malic acid supplements, however, reaches much farther than FM. In light of malic acids ability to improve animal exercise performance, its potential for human athletes is particularly exciting.Additionally, many hypoxia related conditions, such as respiratory and circulatory insufficiency, are associated with deficient energy production. Therefore, malic acid supplements may be of benefit in these conditions.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has also been found to be associated with FM, and malic acid supplementation may be of use in improving energy production in this condition as well. Lastly, malic acid may be of use as a general supplement aimed at ensuring an optimal level of malic acid within the cells, and thus, maintaining an optimal level of energy production.
Metagenics Fibroplex has: Thiamin (as thiamin mononitrate) 50 mgVitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl) 50 mgMagnesium (as magnesium bis-glycinate†) 150 mgManganese (as manganese glycinate†) 5 mg., Malic Acid 600 mg
Metagenics Fibroplex® Plus - Support for Muscle Tenderness and DiscomfortFibroplex® Plus provides targeted nutritional support for soft tissues in those with muscle tenderness and discomfort. Featuring a blend of specific vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in an easy-to-use delivery form, this specialized formula works by supporting cellular energy production and muscular and nervous system function.
- Provides targeted nutrition for soft tissue in those with muscle tenderness and discomfort.
- Provides targeted support for energy metabolism and neuromuscular function.
- Supports cellular energy production and mitochondrial function.
- Provides magnesium in the form of an amino acid chelate designed to be easily absorbed.
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