In part one of our blog on the best minerals and vitamins for fibromyalgia, we shared the most effective supplements for targeting your symptoms and preventing deficiencies which can make you feel worse.
If you’ve read this, you’ll know that magnesium, vitamin D, Omega-3, and B vitamins could all play a part in helping to boost your energy levels, support pain management and making you feel better overall.
Sounds great! But there’s a catch, because as many people with fibromyalgia know, taking supplements isn’t always straightforward, because your body doesn’t necessarily absorb them properly.
Read on to find out why this can happen and how choosing between tablets and a patch could be just as important as which supplements you take.
Vitamins for fibromyalgia: why oral supplements might not be effective
Fibromyalgia isn’t just about widespread pain, it often comes with digestive symptoms that can affect how well your body absorbs nutrients and the vitamins for fibromyalgia you might be taking.
Research shows that gastrointestinal issues are significantly more common in people with fibromyalgia, with frustrating symptoms like bloating, reflux and constipation reported at much higher rates.
There’s also often an overlap between fibromyalgia and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can further disrupt digestion. Some studies suggest that gastrointestinal disorders are often found in those living with the condition, particularly women, who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
On top of that, research into the gut microbiome indicates that changes in gut bacteria and the integrity of the gut wall could also play a role in fibromyalgia symptoms. Many of these studies are in their early stages, but they do help to explain why many people experience poor absorption, even when they’re taking high-quality oral supplements.
Why patches may work better:
If your gut isn’t functioning optimally, swallowing your vitamins for fibromyalgia in pill or powder form may not deliver the results you’re hoping for. Sounds familiar? Then you might want to consider giving transdermal patches a try instead.
Patches deliver nutrients through the skin, bypassing the digestive system entirely. This means:
- Peace of mind the nutrients are getting to where you need them, no matter how your gut health is.
- The nutrients are released steadily over the 8 hours you wear the patch, in small regular amounts which are often much easier for your body to use. Hence why they are used for things like HRT and nicotine.
- Reduced risk of stomach irritation or flare-ups. Certain nutrients like magnesium can trigger an upset tummy – yet another symptom is not what you need!
For people with fibromyalgia who struggle with gut issues, this can be a game changer. Instead of wondering how much of the oral vitamins for fibromyalgia you’re taking are actually being absorbed, patches provide a more consistent and predictable way to support your health.
