Can fibro pain be reduced with use of extra virgin olive oil?

This study looked at the effects of different types olive oil on fibromyalgia symptoms. They assessed the symptoms and physical functioning before and after treatment. They checked the levels of antioxidants in their blood before and after treatment. The results show that extra virgin olive oil may help as an adjunctive therapy to manage oxidative stress in the cells and improve symptoms in fibromyalgia.

Glossary:

Oxidative stress: impaired performance of cells caused by the presence of too many oxygen molecules in them

The Research

Biol Res Nurs. 2016 Jul 21. pii: 1099800416659370. [Epub ahead of print]

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Improves Oxidative Stress, Functional Capacity, and Health-Related Psychological Status in Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Preliminary Study.

Rus A¹, Molina F², Ramos MM³, Martínez-Ramírez MJ⁴, Del Moral ML⁵.

Author information:

 ¹Department of Cellular Biology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.

 ²Department of Health Science, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain fjmolina@ujaen.es.

 ³Department of Psychology, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain.

 ⁴Department of Health Science, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain.

 ⁵Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disease that imposes physical, psychological, and social limitations. We have reported that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of FM. Olive oil has been shown to be effective treatment against the oxidative stress associated with several diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of olive oil on oxidative stress and health-related parameters in FM.

METHODS:

This preliminary study was performed on blood samples of 23 women diagnosed with FM who consumed 50 ml of organic olive oil daily for 3 weeks. Subjects were randomized into two groups: one ingested extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and the other refined olive oil (ROO), which have different antioxidant content. The patients’ oxidative (lipid, protein, and DNA oxidation) and antioxidative (antioxidant enzyme activities and compounds) profiles were examined before and after the treatment period. Functional capacity and physical and mental health status were assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Physical Component (PCS-12) and Mental Component Summaries (MCS-12) of the Short Form-12 Health Survey, respectively.

RESULTS:

Significant differences were found in pre-post change between the EVOO and ROO groups for protein carbonyls, lipid peroxidation, and FIQ and MCS-12 scores. Differences between groups approached statistical significance for oxidative DNA damage and levels of the antioxidant compound zinc.

CONCLUSIONS:

EVOO may protect women with FM against oxidative stress in addition to improving functional capacity and health-related psychological status. Findings suggest that olive oil may be a valuable therapeutic support in FM.