Migraines are severe headaches that generally start early in life, between childhood and early adulthood. Usually people experience migraines as intense throbbing or pulsing in one part of the head that also comes with light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting. Although migraines are not a main symptom pointing to a vitamin B-12 deficiency, research shows a link between supplementing with vitamin B-12 and fewer migraines. Check with your physician before using supplements as a form of treatment.
Vitamin B-12 Nasal Spray
Taking vitamin B-12 supplements may reduce the frequency of migraines. Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., recommends that migraine sufferers take a minimum of 500 mcg daily. Dr. Teitelbaum is a board-certified internist and author of the best-selling book "From Fatigued to Fantastic." Dr. Teitelbaum cites a study published in "Cephalgia" journal in 2002 in which participants experienced fewer migraines after taking 1,000 mcg of vitamin B-12 as a nasal spray each day. The average reduction of migraines was 43 percent after three months of treatment.
Vitamin B-12 and Folic Acid
Vitamin B-12 supplements may also be effective for migraine relief if taken along with vitamin B6 and folic acid. Folic acid and vitamin B-12 are similar nutrients. In fact, the symptoms of a folic acid deficiency and a vitamin B-12 deficiency are so similar, doctors test the blood levels of both before diagnosing a patient with either deficiency. A study published in "Pharmacogenetics & Genomics" in June 2009 showed that participants who took all three supplements together saw a reduction in migraine headache frequency and the severity of their pain. Participants took 400 mg of vitamin B12, 2 mg of folic acid and 25 mg of vitamin B6.
Vitamin B-12 and Other Supplements
Vitamin B-12 supplements may be more effective for migraine treatment if combined with other supplements, such as riboflavin, coenzyme Q10 and magnesium. An article published in "Vitamins & Hormones" in 2004 said that the use of these supplements may be beneficial for migraine sufferers according to the analysis of studies published prior to the article.
Vitamin B-12 Side Effects
There are potential side effects of taking vitamin B-12 supplements, including symptoms associated with migraines like headaches, nausea and vomiting. Vitamin B-12 supplements may also cause anxiety, abnormal gait, incoordination, dizziness, inflammatory acne and diarrhea. It is also possible you may experience back pain and other generalized pain from taking vitamin B-12.
References
- The Telegraph; Vitamin B and Folic Acid 'Help Fight Migraines'; Bonnie Malkin; February 2009
- Drugs.com: Vitamin B-12 Side Effects
- Cigna: Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia
- "Pharmacogenetics & Genomic"; The Effects of Vitamin Supplementation and MTHFR (C677T) Genotype on Homocysteine-lowering and Migraine Disability; Lea, Roda c, et al.; June 2009
- Share Care; How Can Vitamin B12 Help Prevent Migraines; Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum
- "Vitamins & Hormones"; Role of Magnesium, Coenzyme Q10, Riboflavin, and Vitamin B12 in Migraine Prophylaxis; Alfredo Bianchi, et al.; 2004
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