Everything You Should Know About CoQ10 for Migraine Prevention

If you’re experiencing migraine attacks, you know that it’s more than an awful headache. Migraines cause intense nausea, pulsing pain, and to some, light and sound sensitivity which can affect your daily routine. You’ve probably heard about several medications to help treat and prevent migraine episodes. However, you must be weary because these medications have side effects.

If you’re looking for natural alternatives to help prevent migraines, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is another option. Let’s learn about how CoQ10 can help in preventing migraine symptoms and its potential side effects. 

What is CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 or simply CoQ10 is one of the essential compounds produced by the body. It can be found in the mitochondria of your cells. (you can think of mitochondria like little Duracell batteries in yourself that release energy, each cell having more than 100,000 of them).  CoQ10 helps in converting nutrients into energy-producing adenosine triphosphate ATP—which helps in fuel energy transfer within cells. Unlike other natural migraine preventives CoQ10 is less likely to cause side effects. This is one of the reasons why it is a popular alternative for those who experience frequent migraines. Experts found that people who experience frequent migraines have lower levels of nutrients such as magnesium, riboflavin, and CoQ10.

Sources of CoQ10

As you age, your body will produce lower levels of CoQ10. That’s why it’s important to include fish, meats, whole grains, nuts, and poultry in your diet. However, these foods only contain low levels of CoQ10 and won’t make an impact on your migraines. 

Supplements containing higher levels of CoQ10 can come in the form of tablets, liquid-filled capsules, wafers, powders, and IVs.

Is CoQ10 effective in preventing migraines?

Yes! In a 2005 clinical trial of 42 people with migraine, they were either given 300 mg of CoQ10 tor a placebo. After three months, about 48% of those who took the CoQ10 experienced fewer migraine attacks and symptoms. 

In a 2019 clinical trial on women with episodic migraine was either given a 400 mg of CoQ10 per day or placebo. After twelve weeks, those who took CoQ10 showed a drastic improvement in the severity, duration, and frequency of migraine attacks compared to the placebo group.

What do users say?

Anecdotally users do confirm that CoQ10 works for them e.g.:

“Awhile back, I read on here about Coq10. This winter my migraines were coming often and lasting forever. ..I started supplementing with Coq10 a day. Since I started, I have gone from 10ish a month to probably one a month.”

“I have been taking coenzyme Q-10 now for several weeks. I find that I feel better and have more energy taking this. I'm not sure why this works for me, but it really makes a difference! I certainly plan to continue! Remember, you must get this in your system before it starts to work.”

How much CoQ10 should you take?

There is no established dose of CoQ10 for migraine or any other condition. However, doctors recommend taking between 100 and 200 mg daily. But for people with migraine and heart problems, it is recommended to take at least 300 mg or more per day. 

Doses can depend on the following factors:

• Type of CoQ10 you’re taking
• Severity of migraine attacks
• Other medications you’re taking
• Any other medical conditions you may have

Consult your health advisor on the suitable dose for you. Please be aware that many companies do offer supplements containing coenzyme Q 10 however most of the doses are very low because it is a very expensive ingredient. For example High Street brands of well respected multivitamin products generally have doses as low as 4mg.

Supplements for Migraine by Bespoke Biotics

Bespoke Biotics offer a Mag-Shield PRO Magnesium Citrate 500 mg supplement which is easier and faster to absorb compared to other magnesium supplements. One 500 mg capsule provides 150 mg active magnesium in a highly bioavailable form. 

Magnesium Citrate is one of the easiest forms of magnesium that the body can absorb so it is more effective than some higher dosed alternatives. 

Adults can take 2 capsules per day.  

To tackle migraine headaches of various descriptions magnesium  should be combined with:

•  Migrasoothe-B or Migrasoothe-Pro 400mg of riboflavin which is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence in the UK as well as American Australian and Canadian clinical bodies for reduction of migraine frequency.
• Cor shield 300Mg of Coenzyme Q10. 

There are many other supplements which are also help but these are a formidable combination to start with.