Vit B, Folic Acid Give Migraine Relief

SOUTHPORT, Australia—Long-term migraine sufferers experienced relief when they took vitamin B supplements and folic acid, according to a clinical trial from the Genomics Research Centre of Australia’s Griffith University. More than 50 long-term migraine sufferers received vitamin B supplements and folic acid for six months and the results showed a drastic improvement in headache frequency, pain severity and associated disability for those treated.

Previous research at the Centre showed people are more likely to suffer from migraines if they have a mutation or dysfunction in a gene known as MTHFR. The dysfunction causes people to have higher levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which can lead to migraines, stroke and coronary disease.

The recent trial was based on the theory that folic acid and B vitamins can reduce homocysteine, which can in turn, reduce migraines.

The Centre’s next step will be a study to determine an effective dosage for folic acid and B vitamins for migraine sufferers.