Nutritional Considerations of Pain Monday, July 23, 2012 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: 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 pain Vitamin E - reduces neuropathic pain Vitamin C - can lower morphine consumption after surgery Coenzyme Q10 - relieves statin-induced myopathy. Download our 1-page flyer which illustrates the information above, HERE! Antioxidants Share « Nutritional Considerations of Insomnia Recorded Webinar: Nutritional Considerations of Allergies and Asthma »