Magnesium and Riboflavin for Migraines
Migraines are chronic neurological conditions characterized by intense headaches, visual disturbances and nausea. Vitamin B 2 or riboflavin and the mineral magnesium appears to be safe and effective nutrients that may help prevent the migraines, based on several research studies.
Migraines are chronic neurological conditions characterized by intense headaches, visual disturbances and nausea. Vitamin B 2 or riboflavin and the mineral magnesium appears to be safe and effective nutrients that may help prevent the migraines, based on several research studies. If you consider taking these supplements for your condition, you should first talk to your health care provider.
Riboflavin
In February 2011 medical journal "Current Treatment Options in Neurology" published and article by a research team from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, U.S. The scientists indicated that several alternative and complimentary therapies were found beneficial for managing migraine headaches. Among various natural treatments, riboflavin was found effective in some research studies and may be used as a prophylactic agent for migraines. University of Maryland, Medical Center also notes a study that found supplementation with riboflavin reduced by 50 percent the number of headache attacks in the subjects that participated in the research trial.
Magnesium
Preventing migraines is an important part of the management of this condition. Avoiding triggers and life style modifications, medications and natural supplements have been proposed by health care providers. Magnesium, vitamin B 2 as well conventional drugs venlafaxine, gabapentine and naproxen are considered the second choices as prophylactic agents for migraines, according to a study published in April 2010 issue of "The Journal of Association of Physicians of India." Another research study conducted University of Connecticut School of Medicine, U.S. suggests that magnesium deficiency is correlated with several chronic pain disorders, and optimizing the level of this mineral was found beneficial for improving migraines. This study was published in July 2009 issue of "American Family Physician." University of Maryland, Medical Center describes another research study that found that individuals who took magnesium supplements had reduced the frequency of the headache attacks by 41.6 percent.
Dosage
Supplementation with vitamin B2 and magnesium should be medically supervised. University of Maryland indicates a daily dose of 400 mg of riboflavin and between 200 to 600 mg of magnesium for managing migraine headaches.
Safety
Both magnesium and vitamin B2 are generally considered safe and well-tolerated supplements. Over dosage of magnesium may lead with serious side effects, and this supplement should be used cautiously by individuals with kidney diseases, since this mineral is eliminated from the body by kidneys.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care provider to find out more about vitamin B2 and magnesium supplements and possible drug and herb interactions. Keep in mind that vitamins and minerals do not replace and should not be used to replace any conventional drugs prescribed for headache migraines.