Have you heard about the CoQ10 supplement? It is being heard that the supplement is a miracle worker when it comes to treating migraine. Since the drug is fairly new, only a few studies have been conducted on it, which is why if you search for it online, you might not find the answers you are looking for. As it is with all new drugs, the CoQ10 was tested to find out if it helps with cancer, blood pressure, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and migraines. The US Department of Health and Human Services posted a conclusion of all the studies conducted, which reported that the enzyme showed promising results in the treatment of migraines.
What Is Coenzyme Q10 and How It Works
CoQ10 is a compound that generates energy for your cells. It is produced naturally, but it tends to decrease as a person ages. Luckily, you can get it through foods and supplements. The compounds works by transferring electrons to the electron transport chain that helps treat mitochondriopathy. CoQ10 is very well tolerated and even with a high dose, the side effects are quite uncommon, which include rashes, diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, and dyspepsia.
What Causes CoQ10 deficiency
- Genetic defects in the utilization or synthesis of CoQ10
- Nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B6 deficiency)
- Mitochondrial diseases
- Side effects caused by statin treatments
- Oxidative stress caused by aging
- Increase in demands by tissues due to health problems caused by diseases
CoQ10 and Migraines
When the body experiences abnormal mitochondrial function, it results in a decrease in antioxidant protection and increase in free radicals production. This, in turn, results in energy loss from the brain cells, which causes migraines. Since CoQ10 is chiefly found in the mitochondria, and it helps decrease inflammation that occurs during migraines.
Study #1
A study was published in the journal Neurology that looked at the effects of CoQ10 on migraines. 42 participants who experience migraines on a regular basis were asked to take 100 mg of CoQ10, three times a day for three month. They were also given placebos to check for headache days, attack-frequency, and days that cause nausea. The results showed that CoQ10 reduced attack-frequency by 47.6% whereas placebos reduced it by 14.4%. It was concluded that CoQ10 is well-tolerated and efficacious.
Study #2
A study was published in the journal Headache that looked at Coenzyme Q10 deficiency and its response in adolescent migraine. The idea of the study was to find out whether this enzyme prevents migraines or not. Patients in tertiary care who lacked CoQ10 enzymes were picked for the study. There were 1550 participants, who were given 3 mg/kg CoQ10 in the form of capsules. A few patients returned for a follow up in 97 days and reported that their headache frequency had decreased greatly from 19.2 +/- 10.0 to 12.5 +/- 10.8. It was concluded that while a more focused trial should be conducted for better results, CoQ10 does help reduce the severity of the headache, which can lead to its prevention.
The American Academy of Neurology is still trying to figure out how much more efficient Coenzyme Q10 can be in improving migraines. Even the American Headache Society has conducted its own studies and reached the same conclusion that CoQ10 holds much promise.
