This page lists the supplements I take for fibromyalgia and the published medical research supporting each one. The core approach targets mitochondrial dysfunction, which multiple research groups have identified as a key factor in fibromyalgia.
HOWEVER: DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor. This page only shows my personal experience and the published research I have found. Seriously, always consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements. These supplements are not FDA-approved treatments for fibromyalgia.
My Current Supplements
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)
Brand: Qunol Ubiquinol 100mg, 100mg softgels (water and fat soluble)
Why: CoQ10 is essential for mitochondrial energy production (ATP). Fibromyalgia patients have been found to have roughly 40-50% lower CoQ10 levels in their tissues compared to healthy controls.
Research:
- Cordero et al. (University of Seville, Spain), 2013: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 20 FM patients received 300mg/day CoQ10 for 40 days. Results showed significant reduction in pain, fatigue, and morning tiredness, plus recovery of inflammation markers, antioxidant enzymes, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. PMID: 23458405
- Cordero et al., 2011: Case series of 5 FM patients. 300mg/day CoQ10 for 9 months. Significant reductions in tender points, pain severity, and headache frequency. Published in Mitochondrion. PMID: 21771652
- Cordero et al., 2012: Single patient case report showing CoQ10 restored catalase and ATP levels and significantly improved symptoms including headache. Published in Nutrition. PMID: 22898267
- Cordero et al., 2010: Initial study documenting significantly low CoQ10 levels in blood mononuclear cells of FM patients compared to healthy controls — establishing the deficiency link. Published in Clinical Biochemistry. PMID: 20667991
- Sawaddiruk et al., 2019: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. CoQ10 added to pregabalin reduced pain and anxiety beyond pregabalin alone, via reducing brain activity, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and inflammation. Published in Free Radical Research. PMID: 31387429
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Brand: NOW Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500mg, 200 Vcaps
Why: Carnitine transports fatty acids into mitochondria for energy conversion. FM patients have been found to have low carnitine levels in muscle tissue. The acetyl form (ALCAR) crosses the blood-brain barrier, which may help with cognitive symptoms (fibro fog).
Research:
- Rossini et al. (University of Verona, Italy), 2007: Double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial. 102 FM patients. 1,000mg oral + 500mg intramuscular injection of acetyl-L-carnitine daily. Significant improvements in pain and cognitive symptoms vs. placebo. Published in Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. PMID: 17543140
- Leombruni et al., 2015: Randomized controlled trial comparing duloxetine to 1,500mg/day acetyl-L-carnitine for 12 weeks. Both treatments reduced pain, depressive symptoms, and improved quality of life. Published in CNS Spectrums. PMID: 25625485
- Torta et al., 2010: Open-label study of acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation in FM patients, showing improvements in pain, depression, and fatigue measures. Further supporting the role of carnitine deficiency in FM symptomology. Published in Reumatismo. PMID: 20842298