CoQ10 Reduces Painful Migraines

Migraine headaches affect over one billion people worldwide and have been labeled one of the most debilitating conditions.

In addition to intense headaches, they may cause nausea, hypersensitivity to light, and other neurological symptoms.^1-3

Clinical studies have shown that taking coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of migraines, with or without other treatments.⁴

Scientists have found that CoQ10 intake lowers levels of a peptide known as calcitonin gene-related peptide that has been linked to the development of migraine headaches.^5,6

Medications for migraines can be expensive and don’t work for everyone. Coenzyme Q10 may be an effective addition or alternative.

The Burden of Migraines

Migraines are considered a neurovascular disorder, believed to be caused by abnormal brain activity that affects the blood vessels of the cranium.^7,8

Migraines are three times more common in women than men. In any given year, it is estimated that 18% of women and 6% of men will experience migraines.⁸ The lifetime risk of migraines in women is 30%.³

Migraines cause moderate to severe headaches that often involve one side of the head. They can also be associated with symptoms including visual changes, nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light, sounds, or smells.^7,8

Migraines frequently interfere with work, socializing, or family life.¹ This is a particular problem for those who suffer from chronic migraines, defined as having headaches 15 or more days per month, with eight of those episodes being migraines.⁹ Chronic migraines are more likely to develop in individuals who overuse medications for treatment of acute headaches.⁸

Emerging Science on the Cause of Migraines

There may be many possible causes of migraines, and it is likely that there are important differences among different migraine-susceptible individuals, including genetic differences.¹⁰

However, a compound in the body known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been found to play a large role in migraines, and is the target of some of the newer medications for the condition. Unfortunately, these drugs work in only half of patients.^6,11

CGRP is a neuropeptide-signaling compound that triggers a broad range of reactions in the brain. Research shows that in about 65% of people, CGRP intravenous injections result in migraines, while 84% develop headaches after some time, with or without migraine symptoms.¹¹

Some studies have shown that plasma CGRP levels are elevated in migraine sufferers during and between attacks.⁶

The nutrient compound CoQ10, which is produced by our own cells, has been found in one study to target the CGRP neuropeptide while reducing frequency, duration, and severity of migraines.⁵

Coenzyme Q10 Relieves Migraines

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in cellular metabolism.

Levels of CoQ10 in the body are often lower than ideal. Aging and chronic illness are associated with diminished CoQ10. Statin drugs, prescribed to reduce cholesterol, further block its production.^12-14 An older study even found that young people with migraine were CoQ10 deficient.¹⁵

Two clinical studies dating back to the early 2000s found that giving CoQ10 to adults who suffer from migraine headaches, regardless of their initial CoQ10 levels, reduced the frequency of migraine attacks.^16,17

While CoQ10 can prevent migraine headaches when taken by itself, studies have shown it can also be effective as an add-on intervention in people receiving other migraine treatments.^18-20

How It Works

There are at least two ways that CoQ10 can help prevent migraines.

For one, CoQ10 has been found to have clinical anti-inflammatory effects and to reduce levels of the pro-inflammatory marker TNF-alpha.²¹ In one study in people with migraines, CoQ10 intake reduced levels of TNF-alpha, which plays an important role in migraine and chronic migraine risk.^5,22

CoQ10 has also been found to affect CGRP. In a randomized, controlled trial, subjects who suffered from migraines took either 400 mg of CoQ10 or a placebo daily for three months. Blood levels of CGRP were significantly reduced in those receiving CoQ10.⁵

In this study, CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced the frequency, duration, and even the severity of migraines.

Summary

Migraine headaches affect a billion people worldwide and affect women three times as much as men.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been studied for many years as a treatment, or adjunct to medication, for migraine prevention.

What You Need To Know

Serious Relief from Migraines

• Migraines are a neurovascular condition that causes intense head pain and may result in vision problems, nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has long been recognized as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and key component of cellular metabolism.
• Multiple studies have shown that CoQ10 levels are often low in migraine sufferers and that taking CoQ10 can help prevent migraine attacks.
• CoQ10 appears to work by reducing inflammation and lowering levels of a signaling compound called CGRP that triggers inflammation and pain perception in the brain.
• In clinical trials, taking oral CoQ10, either alone or with other migraine medications, can reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine attacks.

Which Form of CoQ10 is More Effective?

There are two important forms of CoQ10– ubiquinone and ubiquinol.

Studies comparing the two often show that ubiquinol has greater bioavailability. In a randomized double-blind clinical trial on 10 men over the age of 55, two weeks of ubiquinol supplementation significantly increased overall CoQ10 to levels greater than supplementation with ubiquinone did.²³

But this doesn’t necessarily mean that ubiquinone is of no benefit. Some people can achieve optimal levels with ubiquinone supplementation, but as they get older, ubiquinol may be required to achieve optimal levels.

Research has identified a pain-triggering compound called CGRP that is often elevated in people who suffer from regular migraines.

CoQ10 may reduce migraines by lowering inflammation and levels of CGRP.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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