TriVita Article On Twin Puzzles of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The Twin Puzzles of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

How B vitamin supplementation may help by Dr. Scott Conard

Many puzzles are yet to be solved by modern medicine. As we continue to seek causes and solutions for the ills that plague mankind, confusion still swirls around two of the more “mysterious” ailments: chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FMS).

During National Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month in March, it’s appropriate to look at these two issues together, since they’re often paired in medical literature. They have some important traits in common:

We don’t know what causes either CFS or fibromyalgia
They share several symptoms
There is no cure
The confusion around these two syndromes is fed by their overlapping nature: It’s estimated that up to 70% of people diagnosed with CFS also fit the clinical guidelines for FMS, and vice versa. Most people with CFS have some kind of pain, which is a major symptom of FMS. And most people with FMS report fatigue, a major symptom of CFS. No wonder even doctors can be unsure which is which.
Vitamin B-12 and folic acid for managing symptoms
We do know, however, that many physicians and researchers (along with patients) support supplementation – including Vitamin B-12 and folic acid – as an important part of managing symptoms. Here’s a thumbnail look that helps explain why:

CFS: As the name suggests, this is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue. This fatigue is not the tiredness that goes away after you rest. Instead, it lasts a long time and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities.

Symptoms of CFS include fatigue for six months or more, and other problems such as muscle pain, memory problems, headaches, pain in multiple joints, sleep problems, sore throat and tender lymph nodes. It is most common in women in their 40s and 50s, but anyone can have it. It can last for years.

FMS: Fibromyalgia makes you feel tired and causes muscle pain and “tender points.” Tender points are places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs that hurt when touched. Other symptoms can include trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, and problems with thinking and memory, sometimes called “fibro fog.”

No one knows what causes fibromyalgia. Anyone can get it, but it is most common in middle-aged women. People with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are especially prone to fibromyalgia.

Supporting mental function with B vitamins
Notice that both syndromes can affect mental function: memory and thinking problems can arise, and this may be a key to the use of B vitamins. As you may know, the medical links between B vitamins and brain function are strong and well documented.

So, it isn’t surprising that healthcare professionals in both traditional and alternative medicine, including experts in CFS and FMS, support the use of B vitamins and folic acid to help manage symptoms.

If you or a loved one have, or suspect you have, one of these confusing syndromes, it’s important to know that both are much more than just being tired, or having some muscle pain. CFS and FMS are often misunderstood, and deserve attention and treatment. I urge you to consult with your healthcare professional, and to see how the highest quality B vitamin supplementation might help.

Source: TriVita VitaJournal March 2009 pg 6.