Study shows coenzyme Q10 may prevent migraine SAN FRANCISCO
– A popular supplement, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), may help
prevent migraine, according to research that will be
presented at the American Academy of Neurology 56th Annual
Meeting in San Francisco, Calif., April 24 – May 1, 2004.
Migraine patients who took 100 mg three times a day of CoQ10--
which acts as the body's energy producer--had fewer attacks
in three months than those who took a placebo. The
participants taking CoQ10 also had fewer days with a
headache and fewer days with nausea.
"A lack of cell energy in the brain may be a cause of
migraine," said study author Peter S. Sandor, MD, University
Hospitals Zurich, Switzerland. "CoQ10 may give a boost to
those cells and help prevent migraine."
The study involved 42 people who suffered an average 4.4
migraine attacks per month. Approximately 48 percent of
those who took CoQ10 had half as many attacks during the three-
month study, while this occurred in only about 14 percent of
those taking a placebo.
"We found that coenzyme 10 had a significant effect on
reducing migraine," said Sandor. "We also found that the
only side effect appeared to be an allergic skin rash in one
patient. This compares with side effects of fatigue, weight
gain, dry mouth, and other side effects found with other
methods to prevent migraine."
CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is an antioxidant made by
the body and used by cells to make energy. It is found in
meat and seafood, as well as dietary supplements, but in
lower dosages.
Other energy producers, such as riboflavin, which improves
energy metabolism, have also been found to be useful in
migraine prevention.