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Amino Acid Supplements - Tyrosine or BCAAs???

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 11/28/2009 2:22 PM (GMT -8)
Does anyone take either tyrosine or branched chain amino acids (BCAA's) leucine, isoleucine and valine for fibromyalgia?

I've found several medical journals that indicated those tested with fibromyalgia have deficiencies in these amino acids. I haven't found any literature that indicates supplementing with tyrosine &/or BCAAs has a positive effect on fibro.

Thanks!
Posted 11/28/2009 7:22 PM (GMT -8)
gottaski,

I don't take any of the suppliments singlely that you mentioned.  But recently my NP tested me for protein amino acid, using a test called OAT Organic Acids Test.  I was severely low in most amino acids.  She started me on a protein powder (Mediclear) that is rice based (I am gluten sensitive) and I really felt better.  No, I'm not cured of fibro--there is no cure.  But knowing that I was really low in so many amino acids was scary in a way, since they are the building blocks of our cells.  Obviously my body was not keeping them, using them  or something.  I have read that fibro people in general are usually low in protein.  So, you might think about getting tested.  I don't think I would take amino acids separately without a dr overseeing things because they seem to need each other to work properly in the body.

Yo-yo

Posted 11/28/2009 8:12 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks yo-yo -- not planning on taking yet -- just been researching amino acids since so many medications used for fibromyalgia effect serotonin and norepinephrine. Both of which can be increased with the amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine. Stumbled across the research that indicates low amino acids in fibromyalgia patients and found it interesting.

I'll look into getting a protein amino acid test -- great information.

Thanks again!

-Lisa
Posted 11/29/2009 11:21 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Lisa,

My neurologist, who is a very western doctor, called me and suggested I try True Calm which is an amino acid blend/Gaba. She has had very good results in dosages higher than recommended by True Calm for patients with neurotransmission problems which many with Fibro have. I have been on her suggested dose for 12 days and have significant improvement. I am sleeping much better and have far less nerve pain. Now I know there is no cure as Yo yo mentioned YET but anything that improves our lives is a real blessing.

For my doctor to endorse a supplement was amazing. I will continue with it and chart my progress. I take no prescription drugs except a very, very occasional Xanax.

Best,
Patsie
Posted 11/29/2009 9:49 PM (GMT -8)
Hello Patsie-

Fantastic to hear you've had improvement! Agreed no cure yet, but if we can improve our quality of life without horrible side effects -- well that would be a great day indeed!

I've been reading about amino acids quite a bit this weekend and it makes sense to me that Fibromyalgia could be caused by our chemistry being out of whack (real scientific, eh?).

Started on this path because I was recently diagnosed with Celiac then Fibro -- the Celiac has caused malabsorption of all types of nutrients in me for over 30 years (if not my whole life). So I wonder if all my vitamins and nutrients weren't absorbing what else wasn't I getting from food?

Thanks for the name of your supplement...going to do a bit more reading than talk to both my Fibro and Celiac Docs.

-Lisa
Posted 11/29/2009 3:16 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Lisa,

Please let me know what your doctors have to say about this. Networking together is so very important. Yes, the celiac has caused many of these issues for you but I feel many with FM have absorption problems. One area I have noted with so many of us is Vit D. I notice you take it, I was first discovered to have barely any. Now on 6000 iu daily, per my doctor at Tufts, I have only reached a level of about 39. Why? I live in Florida much of the year and am a major gardener and like you WAS very active in sports.

There are so many facets to this horrible thing and I personally believe so many different etiologies. Thank you for this discussion.

Best,
Patsie
Posted 11/29/2009 3:31 PM (GMT -8)
yep...add me to the low in Vitamin D fibro club. I was barely registering when dx'd celiac last spring. Have been supplementing and am nearly up to normal -- hopeful to be strong normal in the coming months.

I will update about amino acids once I speak to doctors.
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