The research behind supplements for migraine
There have been many clinical trials undertaken to support the efficacy of the supplements mentioned below. Research shows either a significant reduction of migraine frequency, duration, improvement and even prevention. Studies have shown promising results with using supplements to help treat migraine.
Usually, you can get these vitamins and nutrients from the food that you consume, assuming you have a balanced diet. For some people taking a supplement daily can help balance any deficiencies. Someone having a deficiency in a vitamin or mineral may trigger a migraine attack or increase its intensity, supplementation may help.
Remember that everyone's migraine patterns and triggers are different. A treatment plan that works for you may not be effective for others.
Generally speaking, you should take a vitamin for at least two to three months before judging its effectiveness. However, you may see results quicker.
Supplements used for migraine
Magnesium - Is a mineral which is found in the body and in many foods. Magnesium works by activating enzymes in the body and is crucial to nerve transmission amongst other important functions.
Many people who live with migraine either have low levels of magnesium or a deficiency compared to those who don't have migraine. This is why taking magnesium may be so effective in reducing migraine days.
Recommend dose - 600mg daily as a migraine preventative.
Side effects - Lower blood pressure and may cause diarrhoea in some people.
Vitamin B2 Riboflavin - Is a water soluble vitamin and is thought to play a role in the pathways involved with migraine. Migraine episodes are associated with stress and brain inflammation. Vitamin B2 can help lessen this brain inflammation in migraine and has been found to help chronic migraine.
Recommended dose - 200mg twice daily for 3 months to see any significant decrease in associated migraine pain, as well as duration and frequency.
Vitamin B2 is well - tolerated and has no serious side effects. One thing you may notice is bright yellow urine, this is a sign of excess riboflavin because the vitamin is water soluble what the body doesn't use it will excrete to not hold excess.
Coenzyme Q10 - Is a substance found in the body that cells use to produce energy needed for growth and maintenance. There isn’t a lot of evidence available on CoQ10 and its effectiveness for preventing migraine attacks but it may help decrease the frequency of migraine.
Recommended dose - 100mg three times a day.
Side effects - It may lower blood pressure and cause gastrointestinal symptoms (loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea). Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Vitamin D - There are studies that suggest that vitamin D may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Vitamin D helps with the absorption of magnesium. For a lot of people who live with migraine they find sunlight to be a trigger, so they avoid it to help prevent a migraine attack. This can then lead to a vitamin D deficiency.
Recommended dose - 1000IU twice daily.
Side effects of taking too much Vitamin D - Dry mouth, weakness, nausea. Discuss taking vitamin D with your doctor they may decide to do a blood test to check your levels before starting you on the vitamin.
Fever few - Is a member of the daisy family and has been used for centuries to treat headaches. It has an anti-inflammatory property which reduces inflammation in blood vessels in the head, which may help relieve migraine pain.
Recommended dose – 50mg – 100mg daily.
Side effects – Dizziness, headaches, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, weight gain amongst more. Always consult a health professional.
Ginger - The root is the part of the plant which can be used as a remedy for nausea, vomiting and
headache relief. Often nausea accompanies migraine. Ginger extracts may also increase serotonin, a chemical messenger involved with migraine attacks. Increasing the serotonin levels in your brain may help stop migraine by reducing inflammation and restricting blood vessels.
Recommended dose - between 250-500mg always consult a health professional
Side effects - It can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhoea and stomach discomfort.
Reasons to try supplements for migraine
Supplements can be very beneficial in managing your migraine. Migraine is a complicated neurological condition and we all have different symptoms, triggers and methods that help migraine attacks. The same goes for the medications and supplements that we use, our bodies and brains all work differently, some supplements may be effective for one patient and not for another. Different people have different reaction to over-the-counter supplements. It may be wise to discuss the options with your doctor or health professional.
Who knows maybe adding a daily supplement could help make all the difference.
I have personally found that taking a daily high dose of Magnesium to make a noticeable difference. Recently I had my bloods tested and was low in Vitamin D this level increased over the next three months due to supplements and now I just need to top up during the winter months as suggested by my GP.
Another thing I drink daily is Hydraltye two tables dissolved in water as well as 3L of water over the course of a day as recommended by my neurologist I feel Hydralyte makes a notable significance.
Making lots of small changes that may seem insignificant really can add up.
What something you could start to implement to help manage your migraine?