Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterised by chronic widespread pain alongside fatigue, poor sleep quality and numerous comorbidities. It is estimated to have a worldwide prevalence of 1.78%, with a predominance in females. Treatment interventions for fibromyalgia have limited success, leading to many patients seeking alternative forms of treatment, including modifications to their diet and lifestyle. The effectiveness of dietary changes in fibromyalgia has not been widely researched or evaluated. This systematic review identified twenty-two studies, including 18 randomised control trials (RCTs) and four cohort studies which were eligible for inclusion. In total these studies investigated 17 different nutritional interventions. Significant improvements in reported pain were observed for those following a vegan diet, as well as with the low fermentable oligo di-mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diets. Supplementation with Chlorella green algae, coenzyme Q10, acetyl-l-carnitine or a combination of vitamin C and E significantly improved measures of pain. Interpretation of these studies was limited due to the frequent poor quality of the study design, the wide heterogeneity between studies, the small sample size and a high degree of bias. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to recommend any one particular nutritional intervention for the management of fibromyalgia and further research is needed.
Highlights
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a condition characterised by chronic widespread pain, alongside fatigue, disturbed sleep and a combination of poor memory and poor concentration [1]
The aetiology and pathophysiology of FMS remains unclear; current literature supports the hypothesis of central sensitisation to be involved whereby pain signals and subsequent sensations are amplified within the pathways of the central nervous system (CNS)
This paper aims to systematically review the existing literature and to explore dietary changes—including the use of nutritional supplements—as an intervention in the treatment of FMS as a whole and its many symptoms
Summary
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a condition characterised by chronic widespread pain, alongside fatigue, disturbed sleep and a combination of poor memory and poor concentration [1]. The aetiology and pathophysiology of FMS remains unclear; current literature supports the hypothesis of central sensitisation to be involved whereby pain signals and subsequent sensations are amplified within the pathways of the central nervous system (CNS). This often leads to many of the aforementioned symptoms and comorbidities found in FMS [9]. Regardless, fibromyalgia is a complex and multifaceted condition affecting each individual in a unique manner, with pain at the forefront. The experienced pain reduces overall quality of Nutrients 2020, 12, 2664; doi:10.3390/nu12092664 www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients
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