Copper and iron levels may influence development of fibromyalgia, reports research

A recent study which employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis identified copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) as potential contributors to fibromyalgia (FM) risk, shedding new light on the role of trace elements in the chronic pain condition. While FM’s exact cause remains elusive, the findings published in the recent issue of Nature Scientific Reports suspect that abnormalities in trace element metabolism may influence its development.

Using data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the study investigated 15 major trace elements to determine their causal relationships with FM. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), or genetic variations linked to these elements, were analyzed through multiple MR methods, including inverse-variance weighting (IVW), MR Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode approaches.

The two-sample MR analysis revealed a significant link between Cu and an increased risk of FM. According to the IVW method, higher Cu levels were associated with a 9.5% greater risk of developing FM (OR = 1.095, 95% CI: 1.015 to 1.181, P = 0.018). Also, Fe was found to have a protective effect, reducing the FM risk by 56% (OR = 0.440, 95% CI: 0.233 to 0.834, P = 0.011).

To ensure these relationships were not influenced by other factors, this study conducted a multivariable analysis controlling for selenium, a potential confounder. The findings remained consistent which confirmed the independent effects of Cu and Fe on FM risk. No significant associations were observed for other trace elements such as zinc and selenium.

These results highlight the potential importance of Cu and Fe in FM pathophysiology and suggest that monitoring and regulating these elements could be valuable in managing the condition. While Cu appears to elevate FM risk, Fe may offer protective benefits, opening new avenues for dietary and therapeutic strategies.

However, the study calls for further research to validate these findings and to explore the precise biological mechanisms through which Cu and Fe influence FM risk. Future investigations may provide deeper insights into whether dietary modifications or supplementation strategies could reduce FM symptoms or prevent its onset. With FM affecting millions globally and often leading to chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues, identifying modifiable risk factors such as trace elements could be a major step in improving patient outcomes.

Reference:

Zeng, W., Hu, M., Ma, L., Huang, F., & Jiang, Z. (2025). Copper and iron as unique trace elements linked to fibromyalgia risk. Scientific Reports, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86447-4