The term “fibromyalgia” literally means pain in the muscles. In 1990 the American College of Rheumatology finally recognized fibromyalgia as a disease, and created criteria for diagnosing it. Fibromyalgia is present when there is a history of widespread pain, on both sides of the body, and above and below the waist. The pain must also exist on at least 11 of the 18 recognized tender points that characterize the disease. Fatigue and sleep disturbances are also common. The patient may also experience headaches, facial pain, heightened sensitivity, irritable bowel syndrome, mood changes, anxiety, or cognitive difficulties (called “fibro fog”). The symptoms can vary, depending on stress, physical activity, the time of day or even the weather. It is a difficult condition to diagnose, because symptoms vary from patient to patient and laboratory tests are generally normal. According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 2% of Americans suffer from fibromyalgia.

Educational only — not medical advice.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain, along with symptoms like fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive difficulties (“fibro fog”), anxiety, headaches, facial pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli. The word fibromyalgia literally means “pain in the muscles.”

In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) established formal diagnostic criteria. Fibromyalgia is generally present when:

  • Pain occurs on both sides of the body,

  • Above and below the waist, and

  • The patient has pain in at least 11 of 18 recognized tender points.

Symptoms can shift in intensity depending on stress levels, physical activity, time of day, and even weather patterns. Because routine lab tests often appear normal and symptoms vary widely, diagnosis can be challenging. According to the Arthritis Foundation, fibromyalgia affects roughly 2% of Americans.

Magnesium and Fibromyalgia: Early Research

One nutrient that has drawn attention in fibromyalgia research is magnesium, a mineral involved in muscle function, nerve signaling, and energy production.

Low Magnesium Levels in Fibromyalgia Patients

A study published in The Journal of Nutritional Medicine (1994;4:165–167) found that individuals with fibromyalgia had significantly lower magnesium levels in red blood cells compared to an osteoarthritic control group. This suggests that magnesium status may play a role in symptom severity or muscle pain threshold.

Magnesium + Malic Acid Combination

Several early studies explored whether magnesium combined with malic acid—a compound involved in cellular energy production—could improve symptoms.

These findings are consistent with the idea that improving cellular energy production and correcting suboptimal magnesium levels may support muscle function and decrease perceived pain.