What is adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ?

ATP is the fuel used to provide cellular energy. In properly functioning cells, tiny power stations called mitochondria convert 80 percent or more of our foods into adenosine triphosphate, or three phosphates hooked onto a single molecule of adenosine. When a cell needs energy to perform any biological function, uses one phosphate off adenosine for fuel. Such chemical reactions provide almost all of the energy required by living tissue.

Some studies have found significantly lower than average levels of ATP in muscle biopsies taken from fibromyalgic tissues, as well as in red blood cells of affected individuals. These studies have lead to the development of a theory that inadequate cellular energy is at the root of all fibromyalgia symptoms.

Return to: Fibromyalgia Definitions or view one of the following: Who gets fibromyalgia syndrome (fms) ? Are frequent headaches associated with Fibromyalgia ? Why might fibromyalgia patients feel worse before feeling better with guaifenesin ? What factors may aggravate or worsen fibromyalgia symptoms or cause a flare-up ? How is guaifenesin used to treat fibromyalgia ? Can emotional trauma or physical or sexual abuse cause fibromyalgia ? Are fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome the same disease ? Will HMOs pay for medical treatment for fibromyalgia ? What is the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system ? What fibromyalgia symptoms may develop as a result of irregular sleep patterns ? In post-traumatic fibromyalgia, how long after an injury does it take for symptoms to develop ?