What 3-Vitamin Combination Can Switch Off Migraines

Marked by intense, often severe pain, migraine headaches plague millions of Americans. While many sufferers turn to prescription or over-the-counter drugs for relief, there may be help in the form of a simple cocktail of vitamins.

Vitamins

• Researchers believe that several B vitamins--riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12--taken in large doses, reduce the frequency, severity and duration of migraine headaches. Studies have also shown that folic acid can help fight the debilitating headaches.

Science

• The science behind this belief is that Vitamin B6 and B12, coupled with folic acid, have been shown to reduce the levels of homocysteine--an amino acid--which researchers believe is linked to migraines. Riboflavin has also been shown to ease migraines, according to a Belgian study. (Res. 1.)

Dose

• To achieve migraine relief, participants in the study were given high daily doses of the vitamins. For instance, although the recommended daily allowance for riboflavin is only one milligram, the participants were given 400 milligrams a day.

Consultation

• Be sure to check with your doctor before using any vitamins. The doses in the studies above are much higher than a daily recommended dose, and should only be taken under the supervision of a physician.

Bonus

• Studies have also show that by decreasing the levels of homocysteine in the blood, migraine sufferers may also be lowering their risk of cardiovascular problems, such as stroke.