The influence of diet on patients suffering from Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a chronic centralized pain syndrome characterized by disordered transmission of pain stimuli. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are very diverse and patients often experience musculoskeletal pain,  fatigue, psychiatric disorders (especially depression), sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal disorders. Since there is no cure for fibromyalgia, the proper diagnosis of the illness and consequently treating fibromyalgia effectively are key factors for reducing symptoms and improving a patient's quality of life.  The review article shows different nutritional  approaches on FM patients that have been researched in recent years and are key factor for integrated recovery plan and managing symptoms. Patients may benefit not only from proper treatment, physiotherapy and psychotherapy, but also from concrete nutritional approach which can influence inflammatory processes and central sensitization which are considered nowadays to play a major role in pathogenesis of the illness. There is not enough evidence that specific diet therapy is to be considered for the treatment of FM. However, overall studies revealed that weight control, anti-inflammatory diets, and vitamin D supplementation are beneficial in managing FM symptoms but further research is needed in this matter. 

Materials and Methods

Systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. The search covered studies published between 2001 and 2024. The review was performed according to preferred reporting items for peer-reviewed articles, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This article is based on previously conducted studies and does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.