A novel therapeutic strategy for Ehlers–Danlos syndrome based on nutritional supplements

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2004.07.023Get rights and content

Summary

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is a rare disorder, comprising a group of related inherited disorders of connective tissue, resulting from underlying abnormalities in the synthesis and metabolism of collagen. This proposal is specifically concerned with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome classic type (formerly Types I–III), which is characterized by joint hypermobility and susceptibility to injury/arthritis, skin and vascular problems (including easy bruising, bleeding, varicose veins and poor tissue healing), cardiac mitral valve prolapse, musculo-skeletal problems (myopathy, myalgia, spinal scoliosis, osteoporosis), and susceptibility to periodontitis. No treatment is currently available for this disorder. The novel aspect of this proposal is based on: (i) increasing scientific evidence that nutrition may be a major factor in the pathogenesis of many disorders once thought to result from defective genes alone; (ii) the recognition that many of the symptoms associated with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome are also characteristic of nutritional deficiencies; (iii) the synergistic action within the body of appropriate combinations of nutritional supplements in promoting normal tissue function. We therefore hypothesize that the symptoms associated with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome may be successfully alleviated using a specific (and potentially synergistic) combination of nutritional supplements, comprising calcium, carnitine, coenzyme Q10, glucosamine, magnesium, methyl sulphonyl methane, pycnogenol, silica, vitamin C, and vitamin K, at dosages which have previously been demonstrated to be effective against the above symptoms in other disorders.

Section snippets

Background

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome comprises a group of related inherited disorders of connective tissue, caused by underlying abnormalities in the synthesis and metabolism of collagen [1]. Collagen is the substance responsible for maintaining the integrity of ligaments, tendons and cartilage, as well as providing the support structure for skin and blood vessels. Any tissues containing collagen may be adversely affected, and 10 variants of this disorder (Types l–X) have been described, depending on the

Hypothesis

The novel aspect of this proposal is based on three principles: (i) the increasing scientific evidence that nutrition may be a major factor in the pathogenesis of many disorders once thought to result from the effects of defective genes alone; (ii) the recognition that many symptoms associated with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome are also characteristic of nutritional deficiencies; and (iii) the synergistic action within the body of appropriate combinations of nutritional supplements in promoting normal

Discussion

A wide variety of essential nutrients are required to maintain normal functioning of the body. Some of these substances, such as vitamin A or coenzyme Q10, are obtained partially by manufacture within the body, and partly from the diet. Other nutrients, such as vitamin C, cannot be manufactured by the body, and must be obtained entirely from the diet. In principal, adequate amounts of essential nutrients required by the body should be available from a normal balanced diet. However, in practice

Conclusion

In conclusion, the combination of nutritional supplements proposed above is designed to counter the symptoms associated with classic type (I–III) Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, namely skin and vascular associated problems, musculo-skeletal problems, cardiac mitral valve prolapse and periodontal disease. In contrast with conventional synthetic prescription drugs, which often have undesirable side effects, the nutritional supplements listed above are all natural substances usually obtained from the

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