NMU 353 – CoQ10 and B2 Reduce Migraine Attacks in Adults and Children

Nutrition/Natural Medicine Update No 353 (March 25, 2025)

With Dr. James Meschino

Topic: CoQ10 and B2 Reduce Migraine Attacks in Adults and Children

Source: MigraineAgain (March 2025); Neurology (2005)

Migraine headaches affect about 12% of the global population, with women being affected 3x more often than men. It is the second leading cause of disability world-wide, after back pain. Up to 30% of women and 8% of men experience migraine over a lifetime. In recent years reputable migraine associations, societies and hospital guidelines have included the recommendation of supplementing migraine patients with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and magnesium to help reduce migraine frequency in children, adolescents and adult migraine sufferers. These recommendations stem from the original findings that many migraine sufferers exhibit low blood levels of CoQ10 and/or vitamin B2 (riboflavin), both of which are involved in energy metabolism in our cells and help to suppress inflammation, including blood vessel inflammation – see in migraines. Magnesium is known to relax and regulate blood vessels as well as the muscles that line our arteries.

Since the early 2000’s a number of clinical trials have shown that providing migraine sufferers with CoQ10 supplements and/or vitamin B2 supplements and/or magnesium supplements have significantly reduced the frequency of migraine episodes in many migraine sufferers. As such, the American Headache Society, the American Academy of Neurology and the Canadian Headache Society updated their guidelines to include the use of certain supplements in the prevention of migraines. CoQ10, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and magnesium are the featured supplements in this regard.

For adult migraine sufferers studies suggest taking 200 mg of CoQ10, twice daily is the recommended dosage. For riboflavin the dosage is the same; 200 mg twice daily. The recommended magnesium supplementation is 400-600 mg daily.

It usually takes up to 90 days before migraine sufferers begin to experience fewer migraines when taking these supplements daily, so you must be a bit patient as they build-up in your system. These supplements don’t treat migraines but rather help reduce migraine frequency on the prevention side.

For children and adolescent migraine sufferers the Texas Children’s Hospital recommends the following: CoQ10 – 50 mg twice daily for those weighing under 40 kg (88 lbs); 100 mg twice daily for those weighing over 40 kg (88 lbs) Riboflavin – 100 mg twice daily for those weighing under 40 kg (88 lbs); 200 mg twice daily for those weighing over 40 kg (88 lbs). Magnesium – 200 – 500 mg per day.

CoQ10, riboflavin (B2) and magnesium work synergistically to help cells, including brain cells, make the energy they require for normal function. They also help to reduce inflammation, including blood vessel inflammation and they can help to maintain normal blood flow within our arteries and arterioles, helping to prevent the typical hyperdilation of blood vessels is seen migraine attacks. This is yet another example of the power and effectiveness of natural medicine in the co-management of a common health condition.

I have included the references for this information in the text below.

References:

Hershey A. D. et al. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency and response to supplementation in pediatric and adolescent migraine. J Headache. 2007; 47(1); 73-80. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency and response to supplementation in pediatric and adolescent migraine – PubMed

Slater S. K. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, add-on study of Coenzyme Q10 in the prevention of pediatric and adolescent migraine. J Cephalalgia. 2011;31(8): 897-905. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover, add-on study of CoEnzyme Q10 in the prevention of pediatric and adolescent migraine – PubMed

Sandor P. S. et al. Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial. J Neurology. 2005; 64(4): 713-715. Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial – PubMed

Glasers A (Reviewed by Balty J MD 2025). Vitamin B2 for Migraine: 5 reasons riboflavin should be part of your prevention plan. MigraineAgain. Riboflavin or Vitamin B2 for Migraine Prevention — Migraine Again

Texas Children’s Hospital: Dietary supplements and neutraceuticals for children with migraine. Neuro_Dietary supplements sheet.pdf

Magnesium and Migraine. American Migraine Foundation (Oct 20, 2021). Magnesium and Migraine | American Migraine Foundation

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino