Low levels of antioxidant vitamins in plasma of patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

A recent study has found that the concentrations of vitamins A and E in the blood plasma of patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome are significantly lower than in healthy controls. ¹

The aim of the study by a team of researchers in Turkey was to investigate plasma antioxidant vitamins, lipid peroxidation (LP), and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome and controls.

The study was performed on the blood plasma of 30 female patients and 30 age-matched controls.

After a fast of 12 hours, blood samples were taken, and plasma samples were obtained for measurement of vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene concentrations and levels of LP and NO.

The researchers found that concentrations of vitamins A (p < 0.01) and E (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome than in controls, and LP levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the plasma of the patients than in controls. Concentrations of vitamin C and beta-carotene and levels of NO did not change significantly. ¹

The researchers concluded that:

"These results provide some evidence for a potential role of LP and fat-soluble antioxidants in the patients with [Fibromyalgia Syndrome]." ¹

References:

1. Akkuş S, Nazıroğlu M, Eriş S, Yalman K, Yılmaz N, Yener M. Levels of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and antioxidant vitamins in plasma of patients with fibromyalgia. Cell Biochem Funct. 2009 Mar 24. [Epub ahead of print]