Migraine is a recurring health condition that can trigger headaches that may cause severe pain. Several medications for migraine are available, but they may not work for everyone, and they can cause undesired side effects.
Supplements are becoming popular options for treating and preventing migraine. Several studies suggest that adding certain nutrients and taking supplements, such as Vitamin B2 and melatonin, may help with migraine.
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Examples of supplements that can help with migraine include:
Magnesium
Magnesium has a crucial role in maintaining nerve and muscle function and regulating blood pressure. A 2020 study found a clear link between magnesium deficiency and the onset of headaches and migraine.
It can prevent the development of migraine by blocking the receptors in the brain that lead to pain and inflammation.
A 2021 study involving more than 10,000 adults found that women who ate a magnesium-rich diet had a reduced chance of migraine compared to those with the lowest magnesium intake.
Magnesium oral supplements can help prevent migraine attacks and significantly reduce their intensity and frequency. The America Migraine Foundation recommends taking 400–600 milligrams (mg) of magnesium supplements daily.
Taking magnesium supplements typically does not have any side effects. However, when they occur, they may include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- cramping
- diarrhea
These side effects typically occur if you are taking too much magnesium or if the supplements interact with other medications you’re taking.
Speaking with a doctor before taking magnesium supplements can be helpful. They can advise if they are safe for you to take and recommend the most appropriate dosage
Vitamin D
Researchers have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and the onset of migraine attacks. Vitamin D promotes magnesium absorption, has an anti-inflammatory function, and reduces the production of several substances that the body typically produces during migraine attacks.
For these reasons, taking vitamin D supplements may help prevent migraine attacks and improve their symptoms when they occur.
A 2019 study found that taking between 1,000 and 4,000 vitamin D international units (IU) each day may help reduce the frequency of migraine episodes.
A 2021 review also found that people taking vitamin D supplements reported a significant decrease in the duration, severity, and frequency of attacks compared to people taking a placebo.
Taking vitamin D supplements is typically safe. However, taking too much vitamin D may cause nausea, vomiting, and other side effects. A doctor can recommend how much vitamin D you should take and if it is suitable for you.
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Get free cardVitamin B2
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a vitamin that participates in several processes in the human body. It has numerous beneficial properties, including reducing brain inflammation and oxidative stress. This may help prevent the onset of migraine attacks.
A 2022 review found that taking 400 mg of vitamin B2 per day for 3 months can significantly decrease the severity of migraine attacks as well as their duration and frequency.
Taking vitamin B2 supplements is typically safe and has no side effects. B2 supplements are also water-soluble vitamins, meaning that any excess is excreted in the urine, so there is minimal risk of overdose. However, in some cases, people may notice a discoloration of their urine.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that helps people fall asleep. The brain’s pineal gland, which helps control your circadian cycle, releases this hormone when you go to bed.
A 2019 systematic review found that taking melatonin for 3 months or more may prove sufficient for migraine therapy. The review also noted that while taking melatonin is generally safe, some rare side effects, such as liver injury and reproductive system problems, can occur.
Further research is still needed to evaluate melatonin’s potential side effects and effectiveness for migraine.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like compound. CoQ10 may help reduce the enzyme levels that typically increase during migraine episodes, leading to nerve inflammation.
A 2017 trial found that taking 100 mg of CoQ10 every day led to a reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks of more than 50% per month.
CoQ10 supplements may cause side effects, such as insomnia and digestive upsets. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional to determine if these supplements are suitable for you.
Other treatment options for migraine
People with migraine have several other treatment options that may help prevent migraine attacks and improve their symptoms when they occur. These include:
- over-the-counter(OTC) medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and fluoxetine (Prozac)
- triptans, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex) and rizatriptan (Maxalt)
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Doctors can recommend the most appropriate treatment for your migraine attacks, depending on your symptoms and health conditions. However, it may take time to find the correct dosage and combination of drugs that works for you.
If you do not have any improvement or your symptoms worsen after starting your new treatment plan for migraine, you should speak with a doctor.
Summary
Mineral and vitamin supplements may help improve and prevent migraine. People with this condition may consider taking supplements, such as vitamin D, magnesium, and melatonin, to reduce their risk of migraine attacks and lessen their severity.
These supplements are typically safe, but more research is needed to confirm their long-term effects.
Doctors may also prescribe medication for treating severe cases of migraine and recommend lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.