The Effect of Probiotic Consumption Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Aim: Recent studies have suggested that disruptions in the gut microbiota could potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic pain and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) by affecting the gut microbiota-brain axis. The increasing prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome has prompted investigations into the impact of probiotic food consumption, which regulates the microbiota, on quality of life.
 Material and Methods: The study included 99 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome who presented to our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic. A questionnaire was administered to assess the patients' knowledge and consumption of probiotic foods, and the Short Form-12 Health Survey(SF-12) was used to gather data and assess health-related quality of life.
 Results: Of the 99 patients who completed the questionnaire, 89 were female and 10 were male. In response to the question, "Do you know what probiotics are?"7.4% of primary school graduates,64.7% of high school graduates, and 78.6% of university graduates answered affirmatively. When asked, "Have you experienced any benefits from probiotic foods?" 21.2% responded positively, and among those who experienced benefits, the most common accompanying issue (37.04%) was Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS). Fibromyalgia syndrome patients who consumed yogurt as a probiotic had higher physical function subdomain scores on the SF-12 Health Survey.
 Conclusion: The high level of education in FMS patients increased the awareness of probiotics. Probiotic consumption may have a improving effect on irritable bowel syndrome and constipation associated with FMS.Training on probiotics and increasing the frequency of use of probiotics, the quality of life of FMS patients can be increased and accompanying symptoms can be reduced.