Fatigue, often extreme fatigue, is a key symptom of fibromyalgia. For many, it can be even more debilitating than the pain. Doctors generally tend to shy away from prescribing medications to treat fatigue. I suspect that's because most of them are stimulants and can be highly addicting. The anti-fatigue drug I most often hear being prescribed for fibromyalgia is Provigil, which is FDA approved for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea and multiple sclerosis-related fatigue. However, Provigil tends to stop working if it is taken every day.The problem I personally have with taking prescription drugs for fatigue is that, although they may make me feel like I have more energy, they don't address the core problem causing the fatigue. I'm afraid that if I do more because I feel more energetic, I may actually be harming my body by pushing myself too much. Where Energy Comes FromImagine that each cell in your body is a car. Mitochondria are the engines – or energy producers – in each cell that make your 'car' run.
It is the job of the mitochondria to supply this energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Scientists have found that people with fibromyalgia have low levels of ATP and a reduced capacity to produce ATP in our muscles. Supplements That Aid Energy ProductionFibromyalgia specialists like Drs. Mark Pelligrino and Charles Lapp recommend several nutritional supplements to their patients who are fighting fatigue. Following are supplements one or both of these physicians use in treating people with fibromyalgia and/or myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome:• Coenzyme Q10 – CoQ10 is the catalyst that makes it possible for the mitochondria to produce ATP, the molecule upon which all cellular functions in the body depend. A severe CoQ10 deficiency can cause mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn has a serious negative impact on multiple organs and body systems.• NADH – NADH sets off a chemical chain reaction by transforming Coenzyme Q10 into its reduced form.
Then, in its reduced form, Co-Q10 becomes active and serves as the catalyst that makes it possible for the mitochondria to produce ATP. Every molecule of NADH results in the production of three molecules of ATP energy. NADH is a critical component of your body's ability to function. Without NADH, the mitochondria cannot produce energy and the cells will die.• B12 – Many people with fibromyalgia have a relatively low B12 level. Even minor B12 deficiencies can cause anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness. B12 is best taken in a sublingual form or by injection because it is not absorbed well in the stomach.• Acetyl-L-Carnitine – Perhaps best known for its ability to improve memory and cognitive functioning problems, Acetyl-L-Carnitine also aids in reducing fatigue. According to a 2007 study, L-Carnitine supplementation improved both physical energy levels and cognitive function in centenarians (people 100 years of age and older).Which Vitamins Help Support Energy?
From liquid energy “shots” to grande lattes, Americans love a good energy boost. But if you feel chronically fatigued or if you experience excessive tiredness, it may be a sign that your body is deficient in important vitamins and minerals. We need an appropriate balance of all vitamins and minerals for good health and energy-maintenance. However, certain nutrient deficiencies are associated with reduced energy levels. B Vitamins Help Support Energy In people with deficiencies, B vitamins (including B6, B12, folic acid, thiamine and niacin) have been shown to support the energy metabolism process. This group of vitamins affects how our body’s process and convert the nutrients we consume into energy. Who Needs B Vitamins for Energy? Some people are more likely to be deficient in B vitamins than others. Athletes who train hard are at particular risk, as are individuals with poor or limited diets. Certain medications, when taken regularly, also affect how B vitamins are metabolized and may contribute to B vitamin deficiencies.
These medications include: acid blockers, anti-inflammatory painkillers and antibiotics. If you aren’t able to get enough B vitamins from your diet alone, or if you fit into any of the categories described above, consult with your doctor about a B vitamin supplement or a multivitamin containing 100% of most B vitamins. What Other Nutrients May Support Energy? Iron may be another important nutrient for energy support. Iron helps to oxygenate every cell in your body. Without enough oxygen, all of your systems can become fatigued. Exhaustion caused by iron deficiency anemia can affect everything from your immune system to your brain function. While adding iron probably won’t do much good if you’re not deficient, those at risk for iron deficiency anemia may benefit from taking in iron on a daily basis. See a doctor if you think you may be deficient in iron. Choosing a multivitamin with essential B vitamins and iron is one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re getting the daily energy support you need.
Geritol® multivitamin contains 100% Daily Value (DV) of most B vitamins, plus 90% DV for iron. Do I have Other Options? If you have difficulty swallowing pills, or if you are already taking certain nutrient supplements, you can still get essential B vitamins and iron without a full-blown multivitamin. Geritol® liquid contains key B vitamins and iron at high potency levels for energy support. Always consult with your doctor when adding any dietary supplement to your regimen and be very careful about combining supplements. Getting too much of certain vitamins and minerals (including fat-soluble vitamins and iron) can be dangerous. Choosing a well-balanced multivitamin like Geritol® is the easiest way to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need, in just the right amounts for energy support. See your doctor if you think you may be deficient in iron, as iron deficiency may indicate an underlying problem. Energy Boosters: Can Supplements and Vitamins Help? Vitamins and Supplements Lifestyle Guide.