Below is a list of various nutrients that affect a person affected with body pain.
- Cysteine - reduces pain caused by systemic inflammation due to its potent antioxidant properties.
- Inositol - in animal studies, treatment with inositol induces antinociception (pain reduction).
- Oleic Acid - this fatty acid is a precursor of oleamide, an analgesic that affects neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and GABA (gamma amino butyric acid), all of which play a role in pain signaling.
- Carnitine - deficiency of this amino acid may manifest as muscle weakness, pain (myalgia) or neuropathy. Supplementation reduces several types of chronic pain.
- Magnesium - lowers pain by blocking NMDA receptors in spinal cord; effective in reducing post-operative pain.
- Minerals:some text
- Manganese - a cofactor for the potent antioxidant superoxide dismutase, which fights free radicals, a known source of pain.
- Copper - supplementation can relieve arthritic pain.
- Selenium - treatment with this mineral improves muscle pain in deficient patients.
- Zinc & Calcium - research suggests both play a role in the transmission of pain signals through nerves.
- Choline - activates specific receptors in brain and spine that lower acute pain.
- Vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12 - these produce a dose dependent decrease in various kinds of pain (heat, pressure, chemical); increases sensitivity to pain meds; their effect is likely mediated through serotonergic neurotransmitters.
- Vitamin D - deficiency often presents clinically as muscle or bone pain.
- Lipoic Acid - very effective treatment for neuropathic pain.
- Antioxidants - clinical trials show antioxidant therapy is an effective treatment for chronic painsome text
- Vitamin E - reduces neuropathic pain
- Vitamin C - can lower morphine consumption after surgery
- Coenzyme Q10 - relieves statin-induced myopathy.
