Jacqui Leeden

FibroDol contains malic acid and magnesium (as the asparate) which can be used as nutritional support and which may relieve the symptoms of pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia.

A 1995 study in the Journal of Rheumatology** explains the following hypothesis for the cause of muscle pain experienced by people with fibromyalgia. "Tender points are areas deficient in ATP, a phosphate that acts as a source of energy for many metabolic processes." ATP is a kind of "energy currency" - that is, the calories in food are converted to ATP before being used as fuel by the body. Malic acid and magnesium are two substances involved in generating ATP more effectively.

When there is an increased demand for ATP, intracellular malate requirements increase. Tissue levels of malate are depleted after exhaustive physical activity and it is the only metabolite of the citric acid cycle that will increase ability to perform physical activity.

Malic acid is extracted from apples and used in the food industry. It is an essential nutrient which works within the human energy cycle at a cellular level. An inability to ensure proper metabolism in the cell, means that toxic wastes and inadequate levels of oxugen compromise proper cell function.

An important component in the formation of ATP within the mitachondria, Malic Acid has both glucose and oxygen sparing effects.

Malic acid provides nutrient support that may help free up intracellular respiration activity thereby helping to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Magnesium is a mineral that works within the cells' energy metabolism. It has a positive influence on cell respiratory processes which can reduce discomfort.

Magnesium is an essential co-factor for more than 300 different enzymes. The uptake and accumulation of magnesium by the mitochondria is essential for the conversion of ATP to ADP.

As ATP is the energy molecule that the energy system is dependent on, magnesium assumes primary importance in energy deficient states such as fibromyalgia. The oxygen carrying capacity of haemoglobin is reduced by magnesium deficiency, contributing to localised hypoxia in tissues.

Patients with fibromyalgia or myofascial pain have lower red blood cell magnesium levels than do controls. Studies using magnesium at a dose of 600mg daily in divided doses showed improvement in energy and emotional stability with a reduction in pain levels.

FibroDol provides nutrient support to aid management of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

**See the study Malic Acid and Magnesium: A Powerful Combination