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Why fibromyalgia?
According to the CDC, about 2% of Americans have fibromyalgia. This can be a disabling condition.
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm
According to the CDC, about 2% of Americans have fibromyalgia. This can be a disabling condition.
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm
Fibromyalgia has traditionally been a diagnosis of exclusion. Someone with diffuse pain and often many other symptoms may undergo testing to rule out rheumatic diseases, mental health problems, or neurologic disorders. Sometimes there is no testing at all.
The American College of Rheumatology gives the following as the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia.
https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Fibromyalgia
https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Fibromyalgia
They say “There are no diagnostic tests (such as X-rays or blood tests) for this problem.” However, Park 1997, demonstrated that there may be metabolic abnormalities in people with fibromyalgia.
In this they used 31P-MRS to show a 
baseline PCr between controls & those with fibromyalgia by ~15% & ATP levels. At rest & exercise, their energy reserve (phosphorylation potential) & maximal workload was lower. They did find an inverse relationship between ATP & pain.
baseline PCr between controls & those with fibromyalgia by ~15% & ATP levels. At rest & exercise, their energy reserve (phosphorylation potential) & maximal workload was lower. They did find an inverse relationship between ATP & pain.
Now we add #creatine monohydrate.
First was Leader 2009 with an open-label study adding creatine to current therapy in fibromyalgia.
“An Open-label Study Adding Creatine Monohydrate to Ongoing Medical Regimens in Patients with the Fibromyalgia Syndrome”
First was Leader 2009 with an open-label study adding creatine to current therapy in fibromyalgia.
“An Open-label Study Adding Creatine Monohydrate to Ongoing Medical Regimens in Patients with the Fibromyalgia Syndrome”
Participants given Cr mono at 3g/day for 3 w then 5g/d for a total of 8w. Cr stopped & there was a 4w washout.
The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score was significantly improved w treatment & returned to baseline after the 4w washout. Small Open-label but it was a start.
The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score was significantly improved w treatment & returned to baseline after the 4w washout. Small Open-label but it was a start.
And now, the rest of the story.
Alves 2013 “Creatine Supplementation in Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial.”
Alves 2013 “Creatine Supplementation in Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial.”
28 women with fibromyalgia participated with 15 in the Cr group and 13 in the placebo group. Loading was typical with 20g/d in 4 divided doses following with 5g/day for a total of 16 weeks. No exercise intervention was performed.
Muscle PCr content was measured by 31P-MRS. Muscle PCr content increased by 80.3% in the Cr group compared to -2.7% in the control.
Apparently 8-13% is a normal increase in healthy adults.
Apparently 8-13% is a normal increase in healthy adults.
Leg press, chest press, and handgrip strength was significantly changed over the study in the Cr vs placebo. However, there were only minor changes in fibromyalgia symptoms.
Significant improvements in strength with Cr and no exercise. This is not a usual finding. However, these women are all PCr deficient. Not as severe as some other diseases but it’s possible that Cr supplement brought them up to a “normal” baseline.
Fibromyalgia may not be another creatine deficiency syndrome but it appears that there is deficient PCr and supplementation with Cr improves PCr levels.
