Vitamins To Take For Migraine Sufferers

Migraines are chronic headaches that cause pain for several hours or days. There is no cure for migraines, but you can take medications to provide relief from the pain. Low levels of certain vitamins, particularly vitamins B6, C and B12, can lead to migraines. Luckily, you can obtain these vitamins through the foods you consume or in supplement form through tablets.

Causes

Many migraines are caused by environmental and genetic factors. They develop when changes occur in the trigeminal nerve, interrupting brain chemicals such as serotonin, which results in a hormonal imbalance. Serotonin levels are reduced when you suffer from a migraine, so in response the trigeminal system releases neuropeptides--substances that travel to the outer covering of your brain. This causes pain in your head. Other causes of migraines include stress and a disruption in your sleep pattern.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is used as a protection shield due to its antioxidant properties. Vitamin C eliminates free radicals--those unstable molecules that can cause damage to your body's organs and cells. According to "Trigger Point Therapy for Headaches & Migraines," by Valerie DeLaune, vitamin C assists in producing neurotransmitters. A lack of neurotransmitters in your body prevents your body from being able to handle stress efficiently, which can result in migraines.

Vitamin B12

B12, or cobalamin, is part of the group of eight B vitamins. Vitamin B12 helps to provide energy to your body by assisting the conversion of carbohydrates into fuel. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for the health of your nerve cells. Vitamin B12 works with folate to produce hormones such as S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a compound that is involved in maintaining your mood. According to DeLaune, a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to an interruption of the transfer of oxygen to cells in your brain, causing migraines and head pain. Good sources of vitamin B12 include fish, eggs and pork.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, helps to create numerous neurotransmitters, chemicals that are responsible for sending signals from one nerve cell to another. Vitamin B6 is also important for normal brain development and maintenance. Vitamin B6 can help combat migraines as it enhances the production of hormones like serotonin. This vitamin can be found in wheat germ, carrots and tuna.