Can CoQ10 Help in Migraine?

Pulsating, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head? Nausea and sensitivity to light, sound or even smell? Pressure on the eyes? With these tell-tale signs, migraine sufferers know that an attack might be on its way. Migraine headaches can be extremely debilitating and can last up to three days, leaving you completely drained and exhausted by the time it is over.

Some people also experience some kind of “aura” before the migraine hits them. This could comprise of visual disturbances such as blind spots, distorted vision, flashing lights or zigzag lines. These kinds of migraines with auras are called classic migraines. So can CoQ10 help in migraine attacks? Read on.

What causes migraines?

The underlying cause of migraine is not yet fully understood. Most researchers agree that it is a complex condition caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as hormonal changes, diet, deficiency in certain nutrients, and of course chronic emotional stress and anxiety. We will talk more about these migraine triggers later in this blog.

When it comes to the mechanism, most experts agree that migraines could either be due to abnormal changes in the brain’s blood flow (usually for migraines with auras) or activation of pathways that release substances around blood vessels and nerves in the brain. These substances trigger pain, swelling and inflammation (usually for migraines without auras).

Studies also suggest that at least some types of migraines could have roots in abnormal functioning of the mitochondria, highly specialized structures in the cell that are responsible for converting the food we eat into energy required for cellular performance and survival.

This 2013 paper refers to studies and evidence that supports a relationship between mitochondria and migraine. For example, mitochondrial dysfunction leads to uncontrolled penetration of calcium into the cells and inefficient production of energy, which eventually causes energy deficiency in nerve cells and just like a poorly working car engine also creates a trail of toxic by-products (free radicals) due to incomplete combustion of fuel. All these events are known to trigger migraine mechanisms. The study further reports that agents with positive influence on mitochondrial metabolism are found to be helpful in migraine treatment. The agents include riboflavin (B2), coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and others. [1]

Conventional Treatment for Migraine

For most people, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) is often the first line of treatment to get immediate relief from the pain. Triptans are also a common class of drugs given to people who suffer from acute migraine. These drugs work by enhancing the levels of serotonin and other mechanisms to reduce inflammation, relieve swelling and tighten the blood vessels. This helps to bring the pain down as well as alleviate other symptoms such as nausea.

NSAIDS may work for a while and may be even good for occasional relief and for infrequent migraine headaches. But when taken often or for long periods, these drugs have the potential to create loads of health problems such as ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. NSAIDS can even damage your liver and kidneys, impact your immunity, increase your chances of chronic infections and increase your risk of heart disease. Worse yet, NSAIDs can even give you a rebound headache, especially when you become overly reliant on these drugs for pain relief.

Triptans also come with significant side effects such as tingling, dizziness, increased heart rate, dry mouth, fatigue, fainting and more. There are different kinds of triptan drugs and side effects may vary depending on the drug you are taking. Most importantly, triptans are not recommended for those with heart disease, high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, or diabetes. People who are overweight, those who smoke and those who are on anti-depressants should not take triptans for migraines. Pregnant and nursing women should also avoid triptans.

Keeping in mind all these risks, people are increasingly looking for alternative treatments that can help them to manage their migraine pain and other debilitating symptoms. There is a growing interest in using nutritional supplements such as magnesium, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and Coenzyme Q10. Studies show that people who frequently get migraines are usually deficient in certain vitamins and antioxidants in their brain.

These supplements not only improve the symptoms in people with a tendency towards recurrent migraine but also positively influence other aspects of health, especially in terms of vascular and nervous system health. More often that not, taking nutritional supplements works best for people who are at a high risk of side effects from NSAIDs, contra indications due to other diseases and interactions with other medications they may be taking.

There are many natural ingredients, including magnesium, Vitamin B2, vitamin D, butterbur and feverfew, that are clinically proven to help in migraine attacks. [2] However, for this blog we will focus on how CoQ10 can help in reducing both the frequency and intensity of your migraine. Can this really make a difference?

CoQ10 and migraines: What is the link?

Coenzyme Q10 (or CoQ10) is a vitamin like substance present in almost all cells in the body. It has two dominating roles in the body:

Serves as a critical component in creating energy in the body
Works as an antioxidant and protects cellular structures like mitochondria, DNA and lipids from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Coming back to how migraine headache may be related to problems with poorly functioning mitochondria, CoQ10 can make a tremendous difference in this condition due to these two functions in your body. In a nutshell, CoQ10 protects the mitochondria from increased oxidative stress and as a critical co-factor in the energy production process, keeps mitochondria churning out sufficient energy for cells. This is how it improves mitochondrial functions and health.

If you are susceptible to migraines, chances are you are CoQ10 deficient. In fact, CoQ10 deficiency is one of the most prevalent deficiencies in people who suffer from migraines. An important study in 2007 published in the journal ‘Headache’, found that close to one third of study participants (that included total of 1,550 children and adolescents) were deficient in CoQ10. In addition, CoQ10 supplements not only improved levels but also lowered frequency of headache and disability. [3]

Another 2017 study suggests that “CoQ10 might reduce the frequency of headaches, and may also make them shorter in duration, and less severe, with a favorable safety profile.” [4]

CoQ10 deficiency is more common than you think

The thing is, most people are seriously deficient in CoQ10 and may not even realize it. Unlike calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C or iron, CoQ10 is a relatively lesser known micronutrient. Not many people are aware of its critical role in energy production and in keeping their heart and immune health in order.

CoQ10 levels decline with age. Chronic infections and environmental toxins, that cause oxidative stress in the body, also rob your body of this essential nutrient. Cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) are especially known to affect your CoQ10 status negatively – leading to muscle pain, muscle fatigue, and increased risk of heart disease.

Taking CoQ10 supplements is a very effective method to improve your CoQ10 levels, and many other health benefits, including reduced frequency and severity of migraine attacks. CoQ10 supplements are safe, without any significant side effects except for rare symptoms like an upset tummy, which can be avoided by taking liposomal CoQ10. This also gives you better absorption. Avoid CoQ10 during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. Although there is no proof that CoQ10 could have any side effects in a pregnant or nursing women, it is still a best practice to avoid any supplement unless recommended by your doctor. Consult your doctor if you are taking any blood thinning drugs, antidepressants or drugs that lower blood sugar and blood pressure, before taking CoQ10 supplements. A very small percentage of people may suffer skin rash when taking CoQ10 supplements. In such cases, simply cease taking cOq10 and the rash will abate.

What’s triggering your migraine?

There are number of factors and events that can trigger a migraine attack or make symptoms worse. Knowing these triggers might be of great help in avoiding at least some episodes, if not all.

Remember these triggers are unique to each person and you may have more than one factor contributing to the problem. Usually, it is a combination of things that may lead to a migraine or make it worse. Common factors include:

Emotional stress and anxiety
Missing a meal
Lack of sleep and sometimes even too much of sleep
Weather changes (change in barometric pressure)
Certain foods like caffeine, chocolate, aged cheese, smoked fish, alcohol, soy-based products
Preservatives and additives (especially MSG or monosodium glutamate)
Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame

Here is the thing: many of these triggers such as stress, lack of sleep and foods with MSG are not only bad for your migraines but for your overall health too. Getting rid of these can help, as does including other lifestyle changes such as healthy diet, good sleep, exercise and meditation, which all goes toward reducing your stress levels. And of course, as we discussed throughout the blog, improve the health of your mitochondria to support energy metabolism in cells. That’s where nutrients like CoQ10 can help with your migraine.

References:

Yorns et al. Mitochondrial dysfunction in migraine. Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2013
Guilbot et al. A combination of coenzyme Q10, feverfew and magnesium for migraine prophylaxis: a prospective observational study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017.
Hershey et al. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency and response to supplementation in pediatric and adolescent migraine. Headache. 2007
Shoeibi et al. Effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 in prophylactic treatment of migraine headache: an open-label, add-on, controlled trial. Acta Neurol Belg. 2017