These are the best 6 Migraine Supplements – Don’t miss these little helpers

Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition characterized by recurring episodes of severe headache accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and in some cases, visual disturbances. While there are various treatment options available, including prescription medications, many individuals seek alternative approaches. When seeking help from top headache clinics, it is important to recognize that medical doctors can provide more than just medications and surgical treatments. They may also offer guidance on an integrative approach to migraine treatment, incorporating vitamins and supplements. In this article we show you 6 natural supplements and give you important information on their effectiveness in fighting migraine attacks.

Can Home Remedies do the Trick?

While most supplements have clinical prove of their effectiveness, some home remedies like applying cold or warm compresses, practicing relaxation techniques, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and identifying and avoiding triggers can provide relief and help manage migraine symptoms. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of all supplements and home remedies may vary from person to person, and consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial before starting any new treatment. They can provide personalized guidance, assess potential interactions with other medications, and ensure the safe and appropriate use of these approaches to effectively manage migraines. They also might introduce you to special holistic approaches such as the SEEDS prevention protocol, developed by Dr. Lawrence Newman, a neurology professor at New York University Langone School of Medicine and director of NYU Langone Headache Division. SEEDS stands for sleep, exercise, eat, diary, and stress management.

Butterbur

The number one substance on our list for migraine prevention is butterbur. A supplement called Petadolex derived from the butterbur plant has demonstrated effectiveness comparable to topiramate and divalproex sodium, which are commonly prescribed migraine drugs. Several blind studies have shown its efficacy in doses of 75 milligrams (mg) taken twice daily.

However, since the development of the 2012 guidelines by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), many physicians no longer recommend butterbur extracts and brands containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) due to safety concerns. A 2015 report in Neurology Live highlights doubts about the long-term safety of butterbur supplements, citing the risk of liver damage and the absence of regulated preparations. Proper extraction is most important as well as making sure the butterbur product is PA-free.

Among butterbur supplements, Petadolex stands out as the only one extensively studied in clinical trials. A review article published in Frontiers in Neurology in 2022 found that taking recommended doses of butterbur daily for up to 6 months is considered safe. However, it is crucial to have a discussion with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits before incorporating butterbur into your migraine prevention plan.

Magnesium

Magnesium can play a role in preventing migraines. However, one challenge of magnesium supplementation is that it can cause cramps and diarrhea in some individuals. Despite this, magnesium is considered a valuable preventive measure.

According to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), magnesium falls into the second category of evidence for natural products. It’s worth noting that it’s also possible to obtain sufficient magnesium through the consumption of nutrient-rich foods.

The recommended dosage for magnesium as a migraine prophylaxis is 600 mg per day. It may be advisable to start with a lower dose to ensure tolerance. One potential side effect is diarrhea, although magnesium glycinate is less likely to cause this side effect compared to other formulations such as magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide, or magnesium sulfate.

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, can be a valuable component of migraine prevention. Taking 200 mg twice a day can yield benefits over a few months, but immediate effects should not be expected. Vitamin B2 is relatively inexpensive and has no reported safety concerns. Double-blind studies have demonstrated its effectiveness as a preventive measure for migraines.

Both vitamin B2 and magnesium fall into the second category of evidence for natural products in the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) guidelines.

It’s important to note that, like butterbur, vitamin B2 is not intended to treat ongoing migraine attacks. Instead, taking high-dose riboflavin supplements on a daily basis may help in preventing migraine attacks and reducing their frequency.

Melatonin

Melatonin has demonstrated effectiveness at a dosage of 3 mg per day, although the most compelling evidence was not available when the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) formulated its guidelines.

The Level of evidence for melatonin is relatively low because guidelines quickly become outdated as new advancements emerge. However, this is considered a positive development as it signifies progress in the field.

While the efficacy of melatonin for migraine prevention is still uncertain, it is known to aid in achieving quality sleep. Insomnia, sleep apnea, and disrupted sleep are common challenges for individuals with migraines. Sleep disturbances are frequently identified as triggers for migraine attacks.

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring substance produced by the body and is also available as a dietary supplement taken orally.

The evidence supporting the effectiveness of CoQ10 is limited, although it operates through a similar mechanism as riboflavin (B2). It is advised to start with riboflavin as a first-line option due to its lower cost and relatively greater research backing. However, it is believed that both CoQ10 and riboflavin are equally effective.

While there are anecdotal reports and small-scale research studies suggesting that CoQ10 may help alleviate side effects associated with statins, the evidence in this regard is not substantial.

For migraine prevention, the recommended daily dosage of CoQ10 is 300 mg. Potential side effects of CoQ10 supplementation may include insomnia, fatigue, nausea, or diarrhea.

Feverfew

Doctors have expresses reservations about feverfew due to the inconsistent results of studies and the challenge of achieving sufficient concentrations of its active ingredients in extracts.

Feverfew is an herb available in various forms, such as capsules, liquid drops, and herbal tea, with a slightly bitter taste. While feverfew may be beneficial and possesses anti-inflammatory properties in some individuals, it ranks lower on the list compared to other options.

The recommended daily dosage of feverfew ranges from 50 mg to 300 mg. Potential side effects may include nausea, bloating, and mouth ulcers. It is important to note that feverfew is not safe to use during pregnancy.

Conclusion

The use of natural supplements for migraine prevention is strongly supported. Several of the supplements mentioned above have sufficient evidence to be included in the AAN’s recommended guidelines.

If you are interested in exploring a safe and low-risk treatment option to decrease the frequency and intensity of your migraine attacks, it is advisable to discuss with your healthcare provider the best supplements for migraines. It is crucial to remember that although these supplements are considered “natural”, they still carry potential risks and can interact with medications, so seeking guidance from your healthcare provider is essential before incorporating them into your routine.