Vitamins and Minerals I Prioritize with Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is not directly affected by diet. Certain foods can help mitigate some side effects from MG treatments, but diet will not cure MG. However, there are vital micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are required for all bodies to function correctly. Living with micronutrient deficiencies can have significant impacts.^1,2,3

I began prioritizing vitamins and minerals when my MG treatments helped specific symptoms, but not others. MG treatment drastically improved my ocular symptoms, facial weakness, eye droop, speech, chewing, swallowing, and limb and neck strength. These symptoms would pop up here and there when triggered, but I didn't notice any change in the life-altering fatigue I was experiencing. I thought that feeling "blah" and not energized when waking up was part of having an autoimmune disease.

Looking into my diet

Then I considered my diet again. I was under the assumption that because I am a vegetarian and eat mainly whole foods, I eat relatively healthy. But when I started to investigate different vitamins and the recommended daily amounts, I quickly realized I was not eating any sources of specific vitamins in which deficiencies can lead to some of the symptoms I was experiencing. I had attributed symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and brain fog to MG and the side effects of treatment.

I also discovered many vitamins that specifically affect the function of body systems and aspects of the body that MG damages. I decided to begin focusing my diet around these needed vitamins to eliminate any possible symptoms of micronutrient deficiencies and avoid mistaking those symptoms with MG.

Here are some vitamins that I make sure I get through the food I consume that have made the most noticeable change in how my body and energy levels feel each day. Be sure to discuss with your doctor how much of each micronutrient you need daily and which you should always pay attention to.

Minerals for healthy cells

Zinc and iron are crucial minerals for healthy cells, Getting enough zinc and iron will not stop the immune system from attempting to damage your healthy cells. Yet iron will help your body carry oxygen to cell and zinc helps the body create new immune system cells.⁴

Vitamins for eye health

My first MG symptom that I noted was struggling with double vision, especially when driving. Even without MG, our eyes are at natural risk of damage, especially with aging and sun exposure. I am guilty of living in Florida, constantly being outside, yet I am not one to wear sunglasses. I learned that vitamins C and E, copper, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin can help keep our eyes at optimal performance. Since I already deal with double vision, I want to do my best to prevent other eye conditions.⁵

Immune system functioning

There is no evidence that we can cure MG with micronutrients, but we can always do our part to support our immune systems. Especially since people with MG are at a higher risk of developing other autoimmune conditions. Vitamin D is crucial for immune function^4,6

Nerve health

In individuals with MG, our immune system damages the communication between our nerves and muscle receptors. I want to ensure I am not contributing to additional nerve damage and doing my best to keep them functioning well.⁶

I learned that vitamin B12 and B6 and can help maintain nerve health, so I started adding those food sources into my daily diet. Some micronutrients can have harmful effects when taken in excess. This is why I choose to get my micronutrients through food rather than supplements, which sometimes contain more than daily amount recommended.^7-9

Preventing infections

Many people with MG take immunosuppressant drugs. While immunosuppressants stop the immune system from damaging healthy cells, they also limit the body's capability to fight infections.¹⁰

I have been on CellCept for 3 years now. Although I take precautions around people and public places, I get peace of mind that I am doing all I can since learning micronutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and selenium can help prevent and fight infections.⁴

The impact of fueling my body

Since fueling my body with intention and focusing on not just my protein, carbs, and fat, but now my micronutrients, I feel like a new person waking up! I don't feel lethargic before I exert myself, and it has allowed me to accomplish so much more in my day. I particularly noticed that I have the want and motivation to get out and be active because that dread that I already feel too inadequate to move is eliminated. The amount of time that I feel alert has expanded as well.

There is a blessing in anything that will give you confidence in your body's health. My worries ease some knowing I am not solely relying on treatment to feel good. I can make food choices that fuel my body with the vitamins and minerals that will further support the proper functioning of my body, thus extensively improving my quality of life.