Certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and nutrients can provide health benefits to migraine sufferers. These can be obtained through foods or supplements.
The term “migraine” refers to a recurrent neurological disorder characterized by headaches that typically cause moderate to severe pain.
Many medications are available to treat migraines, but they do not work equally well for everyone and may have unwanted side effects.
Migraines can be debilitating, but some supplements and individual nutrients, e.g.
This article reviews the effectiveness of several supplements for migraines and provides information on their use.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is involved in many metabolic processes, especially:
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body that can trigger an inflammatory response anywhere, including the brain.
How much to take
A 2019 analysis of nine studies found that:
For general health,
magnesium
In addition, another
How much to take
The American Migraine Foundation recommends taking 400 to 600 mg of magnesium oxide supplements per day as a migraine prevention measure.
Like vitamins, this is a mineral that is essential for health. Generally, the recommended intake is
However, magnesium supplements can cause diarrhea, so ask your doctor about the appropriate dosage.
Vitamin D
Taking vitamin D supplements may help prevent and treat migraine attacks, especially in people with vitamin D deficiency.
a
How much to take
A 2019 review study found that
However, further studies are needed to investigate the efficacy, safety, and dosage of vitamin D in treating migraine.
The general recommendation is:
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative stress associated with migraines. It may also help lower levels of an enzyme that increases during a migraine attack and causes nerve inflammation.
a
In addition,
How much to take
The American Headache Society recommends starting with 300 mg per day, taken in divided doses of 150 mg twice a day.
That said, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional such as a doctor or pharmacist before trying it, especially if you want to combine it with other supplements.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium A member of the Asteraceae family, it produces beautiful flowers and has been used for centuries as a treatment for migraines.
However, some studies suggest it may help reduce migraine attacks, but the studies are older and the results are mixed.
One
How much to take
If you want to try it, start with 50-300mg twice a day, but we recommend consulting your doctor first, especially if you plan to combine it with other supplements.
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in your brain at night. It helps you fall asleep. Taking a supplement
How much to take
Melatonin is generally considered safe, but more research is needed to evaluate possible side effects, effectiveness, and to determine the best dosage for relieving migraines. If you want to try it, talk to your doctor first.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and (eicosapentaenoic acid) EPA, are essential for the body and have many health benefits.
ALA comes from plants, while DHA and EPA are found in foods of animal origin and algae, such as fatty fish, fish oil, flax seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.
These fats also produce compounds that reduce pain and have protective effects against oxidative stress, although their potential for treating migraines has not been fully explored.
How much to take
A 2024 meta-analysis looked at 40 randomized controlled trials involving migraine patients with an average age of 35 years and treatment duration of 18 weeks. Data on supplements were split into three dosage groups:
- <900 mg/day
- 900–1,500 mg/day
- ≥1500 mg/day
The researchers found that people who took the high-dose EPA+DHA supplement experienced the greatest reduction in migraine frequency and severity.
However, there are no clear recommendations on omega-3 intake specific to migraines. The general recommendation is
Calcium is an important mineral that supports bone health and aids in other bodily functions such as muscle function, blood clotting and heart function.
There is limited research suggesting that calcium deficiency may be linked to migraines.
How much to take
Not getting enough calcium (hypocalcemia) can be a trigger for migraines.
While there is no recommended intake for migraines, because calcium is an essential mineral there are general recommendations for healthy intake.
Before trying any supplement to prevent or treat migraines, it is important to consider its safety profile.
Essential vitamins and minerals such as omega-3 and calcium are essential for overall health, and the other supplements listed here are generally well tolerated.
However, some people have limited research on migraines.
Dosages for migraine-specific use may not be standardized and may be dangerous if taken daily. For example, some supplements can cause side effects if taken in excess.
Additionally, certain supplements may not be suitable for people who:
- Pregnant people
- People who are breastfeeding or breastfeeding
- People with underlying medical conditions
- People taking medication
When buying supplements, choose reputable brands that are third-party tested for purity and strength, so you can avoid products with undisclosed ingredients or incorrect dosages.
Before trying any migraine supplements, talk to your doctor to understand the potential benefits and risks, appropriate dosages, and potential side effects.
In addition to medications and supplements,
These include:
- Monitor your food and drink intake to avoid triggers.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Try not to skip meals.
- Don’t forget to stay hydrated.
- Reduces stress.
- Limit exposure to bright light
If these tips don’t help, or if your migraines are severe, talk to your doctor about migraine medication.
What vitamin deficiency causes migraines?
Multiple Defects
What vitamin cocktail works for migraines?
A migraine cocktail is a type of combination treatment that is usually administered in a medical setting, such as an emergency room, to treat severe migraines. It is usually administered intravenously and may include vitamins such as magnesium, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and fluids.
There are also pure vitamin cocktails, such as the Myers cocktail, but these are controversial and there is no clinical evidence that they are effective in treating any medical condition.
People with migraines may be interested in dietary supplements to prevent or treat attacks, especially if medications are not effective.
Some studies have shown that supplements can be effective in relieving migraines, although information about the effects of long-term use is not available in all cases.
If you want to try a migraine supplement, talk to your doctor about safety, dosage, and possible side effects.
