A migraine is a painful headache often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. Although their exact cause is unclear, they may result from changes in the flow of blood to the brain. If you suffer from migraines more than twice a month, your doctor might prescribe medicines to help prevent them. The mineral magnesium might reduce the frequency of migraine attacks although evidence to prove this is limited. Talk to your doctor before taking supplementary magnesium and don't use supplements in place of treatments recommended by your doctor.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in several biochemical and physiological processes including muscle and nerve function, and protein synthesis. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that it may also play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of medical conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. It may also help to prevent migraine headaches. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that people that suffer from migraines often have lower levels of magnesium compared to those that don't get migraines.
Sources and Administration
A variety of foods contain magnesium. Examples include halibut, nuts, oatmeal, kidney beans and bread. It is also available as a dietary supplement in tablet form. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that 200 mg to 600 mg per day is sometimes used to help reduce migraine frequency, but first check with your doctor whether this dosage is suitable for you.
Effectiveness
Studies evaluating the effects of magnesium supplementation on migraine frequency and severity are limited. However, the results of a study published in the June 2008 issue of "Magnesium Research" shows that magnesium helps to reduce migraine frequency and severity and improves blood flow to the brain, compared to placebo. C. Sun-Edelstein, M.D., from the New York Headache Center also notes that magnesium may be an effective preventative treatment for some migraine patients.
Safety Considerations
The Office of Dietary Supplements notes magnesium supplements may produce adverse effects such as diarrhea and abdominal cramping. High doses may cause magnesium toxicity, the symptoms of which may include nausea, appetite loss, low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. Do not take more than the upper tolerable dose, or 350 mg daily in adults, without consulting your doctor first.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine Headache
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium
- "Magnesium Research"; The Effects of Magnesium Prophylaxis in Migraine Without Aura; E. Köseoglu, et al.; June 2008
- "Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics"; Role of Magnesium in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Migraine; C. Sun-Edelstein and A. Mauskop; March 2009
