High-dose Omega-3 Alters Serum Magnesium and Calcium Levels and Affects Fibromyalgia Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a high oral dose of omega- 3 on serum magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) levels and their effects on clinical measures of pain threshold.

METHODS

One hundred twenty patients were recruited and randomized 1:1 to omega-3 or placebo and blinded to their treatment group. At baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment, the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the FM Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) were completed. In addition, serum was taken for Ca and Mg analysis at the same time point.

RESULTS

The WPI, SSS, VAS, and FIQ scores improved significantly in the omega-3 group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001). Serum Ca levels were negatively correlated with WPI (r = -0.308), SSS (r = -0.28), VAS (r = -0.311) and FIQ (r = -0.348) scores after 8 weeks of treatment (P < 0.001), while serum Mg levels were negatively correlated with SSS (r = -0.212) and VAS (r = -0.231) scores after 8 weeks of treatment.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that a high dose of omega-3 could have a positive effect on the relief of FM pain, which could be due to an increase in serum Mg and Ca levels.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Research4877#.