A migraine is a severe recurring headache that is sometimes accompanied by nausea, sickness and light auras. If you suffer from migraines, resting in a darkened room and taking an over-the-counter analgesic will usually alleviate symptoms, although your doctor may prescribe stronger medicines if you frequently suffer from migraines. Magnesium may help to prevent and treat a migraine. Get advice from your doctor before taking a magnesium supplement.
Sources and Administration
Magnesium is mineral that is essential for health and is found in a variety of foods, including halibut, spinach, peanuts, rice and lentils. It is also available as a dietary supplement. The University of Maryland Medical Centers (UMMC) notes that people who suffer from migraines may have lower magnesium levels than people who do not; they suggest taking 200 to 600 mg daily. This is only a guideline; ask your doctor how much you should use.
Efficacy
Magnesium may reduce the frequency of migraines, but scientific evidence to prove this is mixed. Research published in the June 2008 issue of "Magnesium Research" reports that migraine attack frequency and severity decreased after magnesium treatment, leading the authors to conclude that magnesium is a beneficial agent in migraine prophylaxis. In contrast, results of a randomized prospective placebo-controlled study, published in the March 2005 issue of "Cephalgia," showed that magnesium was no more effective in relieving migraine pain than a placebo treatment.
Considerations
Taking too much magnesium may cause side effects. While the Office of Dietary Supplements notes that dietary amounts of magnesium are unlikely to pose a health risk, pharmacological doses may cause cramping and diarrhea. Signs of excessive magnesium include nausea, appetite loss, muscle weakness, low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. Check with your doctor to see if you are taking a safe amount.
Other Supplements
UMMC notes that riboflavin, or vitamin B, and 5-hydroxytryptophan may also help to prevent or treat a migraine. Riboflavin may reduce the incidence and duration of migraines, but more research is needed to prove this. The amino acid 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, helps the brain produce the "feel good" chemical, serotonin and may reduce migraine intensity. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements to treat a migraine.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine Headache
- The Migraine Trust
- The Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium
- PubMed: The Effects of Magnesium Prophylaxis in Migraine Without Aura
- PubMed: A randomized Prospective Placebo-Controlled Study of Intravenous Magnesium Sulphate vs. Metoclopramide in the Management of Acute Migraine Attacks in the Emergency Department
