Research has uncovered a clear CoQ10/migraine connection that could help the millions whose lives are disrupted these painful, disabling mirgaine headaches.
More than two decades of medical research has proven that Coenzyme Q10, a natural substance that is found in every cell, plays an important role in many aspects of health. It is essential to healthy metabolism and organ function, and it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, and heart disease.
With increased CoQ10, migraine episodes reduced by 50% or more
The Coenzyme’s effectiveness in preventing migraines has also been demonstrated. In an open label trial with a group of 30 migraine patients, supplemental dosage of CoQ10 significantly reduced the number of migraine episodes over the four month period of the study. In 61% of the participants, the number of migraine episodes was reduced by half.
Study data suggested that it takes from one to three months of regular supplementation to achieve the optimum results. It also indicated that the coenzyme is equally effective in preventing both classic migraine (migraine with aura) and common migraine (migraine without aura).
A 2006 study of more than 1,550 adolescents who suffered frequent headaches concluded that deficiency of the coenzyme may be a common factor in pediatric and adolescent migraine. The study authors recommended further study but suggested that in the treatment of migraine, CoQ10 supplementation could result in clinical improvement.
CoQ10′s antioxidant, energy production functions both important in migraine prevention
It is believed that the CoQ10/migraine connection is related to the coenzyme’s role in the creation of energy at the cellular level. The coemzyme is found in the mitochondria, or power source, of all living cells, and one of its primary functions is energy production. Researchers speculate that migraines may be triggered by a decrease in mitochondrial energy reserves. It is suggested that supplementation keeps mitochondrial energy high and prevents the migraine trigger from tripping.
In addition to its function in energy production, CoQ10′s powerful antioxidant properties could help migraine sufferers. Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that can neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals, chemically unstable molecules produced by the process of cellular oxidation. Free radical damage has been implicated in migraines and other types of headaches.
