Can B-Vitamins Beat a Migraine? 10/10/09
Warding off a migraine…naturally
Migraine headaches are a very disabling pain problem for a high percentage of individuals.
Researchers continue to look for safe and effective practices that can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines
A 2004 study in The European Journal of Neurology showed that high dose Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) supplementation reduced migraine frequency and severity in migraine sufferers.
More recently, the study published in Pharmacogenetics and Genomics (2009) by R. Lea and fellow researchers showed that B-vitamin supplementation with folic acid, riboflavin and vitamin B12 reduced migraine severity and frequency to a significant degree compared to those given the placebo pill, in a study involving 57 migraine sufferers.
The B-vitamin daily dosages were:
- Folic acid – 2 mg (2000 mcg)
- Riboflavin – 25 mg
- Vitamin B12 – 400 mcg
The B-vitamin supplemented group also realized a 39% decrease in their blood homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a dangerous substance that has been shown to cause about 10% of all heart attacks each year. Therefore, keeping homocysteine lower is very desirable.
Some evidence suggests that homocysteine may also contribute to susceptibility to migraine headaches, and thus lowering homocsyteine may reduce migraine attacks, as realized in this 2009 study.
Other studies have shown that by simply taking a B-50 complex that homocysteine levels are reduced. The Adeeva Multiple Vitamin and Mineral already has a B-50 complex in it, or you can simply purchase a B-50 complex at a drug or health food store. However, 2000 mcg of folic acid is a very high dose, which requires a prescription. It is likely not necessary to take such a high dose of folic acid. A B-50 complex should be tried as the first strategy.
Other natural ways of reducing migraine frequency and severity is through supplementation the herb feverfew and magnesium. Some patients report improvement with chiropractic treatment, and/or acupuncture, and/or progressive relaxation exercises (including yoga).
If you are a migraine sufferer I suggest that you take my free online Nutrition/Lifestyle/Anti-aging assessment (Natural Health Test) and answer yes to the question, “Do you suffer from migraine headaches”? Here is the link to the natural health test if you have not yet undergone this important health evaluation.
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