Supplements for migraine
Supplements for migraine include riboflavin, magnesium and co-enzyme Q10.
Some supplements have been suggested as being helpful for migraine. Many people with migraine take them to try and relieve their symptoms or prevent migraine attacks. It’s important to bear in mind that evidence about how effective they are is often limited. You should always check with your GP, pharmacist or specialist before starting a new supplement for migraine.
Why take supplements for migraine
You can take supplements alongside migraine medicines. Some people find this helps with their migraine more than taking either one alone.
Some people take supplements because they want to cut back on or avoid medicines. This can be for many reasons, including because medicines are causing side effects or they’re not helping. It might also be that you just prefer not to take medicine. Always talk to your GP or specialist first before stopping any migraine medicines.
As with preventive medicines for migraine, it takes time to see if a supplement is helping. It may take up to three months to see the full benefit.
Types of migraine supplements
There are many different supplements that have been suggested as being helpful for migraine and headache. The most common ones with some evidence of a benefit in migraine are listed below. You can try these one at a time, or at the same time. There are also products that include a combination of these nutrients.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Riboflavin is also called vitamin B2. It’s thought to help maintain energy stores used by your brain. Disruption in this energy supply might be linked to migraine
Taking high doses of riboflavin (400 mg a day) for at least three months may help prevent migraine attacks. It’s been shown to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and how severe they are for some people.
Clinical guidelines in the UK for managing headache include riboflavin (400 mg a day) as a potential treatment for migraine.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in a range of functions in the body. It’s essential in making sure your nervous system works properly. Magnesium supplements may reduce frequency and severity of migraine attacks for some people. They may also help certain migraine medicines work better.
*Information has been provided by The Migraine Trust
Coenzyme
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a key role in cellular energy production and is especially important for heart and muscle function. This100mg formula delivers daily antioxidant support and helps maintain cardiovascular health.
Government and health authority information regarding 400mg doses of riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Government and health authority information regarding 400mg doses of riboflavin focuses primarily on its use as a preventative treatment for migraines in adults.
Here is a summary of the evidence:
Migraine Prevention (400 mg/day)
Effectiveness: Studies indicate that 400 mg of daily riboflavin can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Timeframe: Beneficial effects generally start after the first month and show maximum benefit after three months of continuous use.
Mechanism: It is believed to help correct mitochondrial energy dysfunction in the brain, which is associated with migraines.
Recommendations: The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Headache Society consider riboflavin “probably effective” for migraine prevention. The UK National Migraine Centre also includes 400 mg daily as a potential treatment.
Children/Adolescents: Evidence for children is limited and inconclusive, with some studies showing no benefit; therefore, it is generally not recommended for children.
Safety and Side Effects
Safety Profile: High-dose (400 mg) riboflavin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated.
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) has not established a UL for riboflavin because there is no human data for adverse effects from high doses.
Common Side Effect: The most frequent side effect is that the urine turns a bright yellow colour, which is harmless.
Potential Issues: High doses may cause mild diarrhoea or, rarely, nausea.
Other Information
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): The daily requirement for an average adult is very low, typically 1.1–1.3 mg/day. The 400 mg dose is considered a therapeutic dose rather than a nutritional supplement.
Drug Interactions: Tricyclic antidepressants may interfere with riboflavin.
Disclaimer: Although safe, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting high-dose supplements to determine if it is appropriate for your specific condition.
