Low magnesium and growth factor are found in fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition comorbid with migraine, which means that migraine sufferers are more likely to have fibromyalgia and those with fibromyalgia are more likely to have migraines (such relationships are not always bidirectional). One common finding in these two conditions is low magnesium level and both condition often improve with magnesium supplementation or magnesium infusions.

A new study by Dr. T. Romano of 60 patients with fibromyalgia showed that those who have low red blood cell (RBC) magnesium levels are likely to have low levels of growth hormone (IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor 1). RBC magnesium level is a more accurate test than the routine serum magnesium level, which is highly unreliable as most of the body’s magnesium sits inside the cells.

Dr. Romano recommends magnesium supplementation and a referral to an endocrinologist. It is possible that treatment with growth hormone will help those who are deficient, although it is also possible that magnesium supplementation alone (oral or intravenous, if oral is ineffective) could increase the production of growth hormone.