Chromium & Fibromyalgia

Chromium is a mineral that occurs naturally in food products. However, excessive consumption of highly-processed foods can lead to a chromium deficiency. Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disorder characterized by muscular pain and excessive fatigue. Some consider chromium a beneficial dietary supplement for people with this condition.

Chromium

• Chromium is found in bran and the germ of whole grains, in onions and tomatoes, oysters, liver and brewer's yeast. Chromium deficiency is associated with a range of conditions, particularly diabetes and low HDL cholesterol levels, which increase the risk of heart disease. It is also thought that mineral deficiencies lead to tissue starvation resulting in the type of pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia

• Although stress is most frequently cited as the main cause of fibromyalgia, it is thought by some that sufferers are also deficient in protective nutrients involved in energy production. These include the B vitamins, chromium, manganese, zinc and essential amino acids. Even if the diet is adequate in these nutrients, absorption may be impaired.

Considerations

• There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that chromium has a significant effect on fibromyalgia symptoms. It appears to be useful when taken in conjunction with other mineral supplements, and is possibly most useful in alleviating the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.