FM Study: Intravenous Micronutrient Therapy (Myers' Cocktail)

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Intravenous Micronutrient Therapy (Myers' Cocktail) for Fibromyalgia:

A Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.

J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Feb 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Ali A, Njike VY, Northrup V, Sabina AB, AL, Liberti LS, Perlman AI,

Adelson H, Katz DL.

Prevention Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, Derby, CT. PMID:

19250003

Abstract Objectives: Intravenous micronutrient therapy (IVMT), and specifically

the Myers' Cocktail, is a popular approach for treating fibromyalgia syndrome

(FMS) among complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, but its

efficacy is uncertain. This trial

assessed the feasibility, safety, and provided insights into the efficacy of

this therapy.

Design: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.

Locations: The study locations were an academic research center, teaching

hospital, and affiliated Integrative Medicine Center in Derby, CT.

Subjects: The subjects were 34 adults with American College of Rheumatology

(ACR)-defined FMS.

Intervention: Subjects were randomly assigned either to treatment (weekly

infusions of IVMT) or to placebo

(weekly infusions of lactated Ringer's solution) for 8 weeks.

Outcome measures: Primary outcome was change in the Tender Point Index, assessed

8 and 12 weeks after initiation. Secondary measures included a Visual Analog

Scale to assess global pain, and validated measures of physical function

(Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire),

mood (Beck Depression Index), and quality of life (Health Status Questionnaire

2.0).

Results: Clinically significant improvements were noted (of a magnitude similar

to other effective interventions). However, in part because of the high placebo

response and the small sample size, no statistically significant differences

were seen between groups, in any outcome measure, at 8 and 16 weeks.

Statistically significant

within-group differences were seen in both the ntervention and placebo groups,

demonstrating a treatment effect for both IVMT and placebo. At 8 weeks, the IVMT

group experienced significantly improved tender points, pain, depression, and

quality of life

directly following treatment (all p

Conclusions: This first controlled pilot study established the safety and

feasibility of treating FMS with IVMT. Most subjects experienced relief as

compared to baseline, but no statistically significant differences were seen

between IVMT and placebo. The efficacy of IVMT for fibromyalgia, relative to

placebo, is as yet uncertain.