Suffering from Migraines? You Might Be Lacking Vitamins
A new study highlights vitamin deficiencies in teens and young adults with migraines
Children, teenagers, and young adults who frequently complain of migraines may suffer from a deficiency in Vitamin D, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and coenzyme Q10—a vitamin-like substance present in every cell of the body, used for energy production needed for cell growth and maintenance.
The findings regarding this deficiency were presented by Dr. Suzanne Hagler, a headache specialist from the neurology department at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in the United States. Dr. Hagler's study used the hospital's database, which included patients with migraines who underwent blood tests to determine their levels of Vitamin D, Vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10, and folic acid. She found that adolescent girls and young women were at a higher risk for low levels of coenzyme Q10, while Vitamin D deficiency was more common among boys and young men. Patients with chronic migraines were more likely to show a deficiency in both coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin B2, compared to those with episodic migraines.
Some patients indeed received vitamins as part of migraine treatment, but since they all also received medication, Dr. Hagler's study couldn't conclude on the efficacy of vitamin treatment alone. "Further research is needed to ascertain whether taking vitamin supplements helps migraine patients in general, and especially those with proven vitamin deficiencies," says Dr. Hagler.
The findings regarding this deficiency were presented by Dr. Suzanne Hagler, a headache specialist from the neurology department at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in the United States. Dr. Hagler's study used the hospital's database, which included patients with migraines who underwent blood tests to determine their levels of Vitamin D, Vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10, and folic acid. She found that adolescent girls and young women were at a higher risk for low levels of coenzyme Q10, while Vitamin D deficiency was more common among boys and young men. Patients with chronic migraines were more likely to show a deficiency in both coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin B2, compared to those with episodic migraines.
Some patients indeed received vitamins as part of migraine treatment, but since they all also received medication, Dr. Hagler's study couldn't conclude on the efficacy of vitamin treatment alone. "Further research is needed to ascertain whether taking vitamin supplements helps migraine patients in general, and especially those with proven vitamin deficiencies," says Dr. Hagler.
