Fibromyalgia Pain Relief Tip #20: Up Your Vitamin B12 Intake

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is involved in many vital body functions including cell growth, red blood cell regeneration, central nervous system functions, metabolism, the body's self-detoxificaition system and many more. Therefore, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause dysfunction leading to various symptoms similar to fibromyalgia, for instance, fatigue, weakness, poor sleep, memory impairment, disorientated, and severe moodiness etc. A 1997 swedish study observed insignificant amounts of vitamin B12 in the cerebrospinal fluid - essential for the protection of the brain, of 12 fibromyalgia patients.

A recent study, fortunately, found that vitamin B12 therapy can benefit fibromyalgia patients by reducing the associated symptoms and reducing the reliance of synthetic painkillers. The participants of the clinical trial also feedback with lesser pain.

Therefore, ensuring that you get your daily requirement of vitamin B12 may help you control your fibromyalgia symptoms. You can get Vitamin B12 from your diet. Food sources from animals are usually rich in vitamin B12, for example, meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, milk. However, it is important to note that people with certain conditions such as digestive disorders akin to fibromyalgia like irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease may have problems absorbing vitamin B12. Supplements may be required. Consult your doctor to find out if you're deficient in vitamin B12 and work on a best plan to meet your vitamin B12 requirements to improve fibromyalgia.

Related Link: Fibromyalgia Pain Relief Tip #19

1. Regland B, et al. Increased concentrations of homocysteine in the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol. 1997;26(4):301-7.
2. Regland B, Forsmark S, Halaouate L, Matousek M, Peilot B, Zachrisson O, et al. (2015) Response to Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Fibromyalgia. PLoS ONE 10(4): e0124648. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0124648