According to new research published in Pharmacogenetics and Genomics, supplementing Vitamins B6, B12 and Folic acid, may aid in the reduction of the severity, frequency and disability associated with migraine headaches.
Over 50 individuals experiencing with migraine with aura were recruited to participate in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either supplements containing 2 mg of Folic Acid, 25 mg of Vitamin B6 and 400 mcg of Vitamin B12 or a placebo. The study lasted 6 months.
A 39% reduction in homocysteine levels, higher levels of homocysteine may be caused by a genetic dysfunction which could cause individuals to be more susceptible to migraine attacks, when compared to baseline was seen in the supplement group. This reduction in homocysteine levels was considered to be statistically significant when compared to the placebo group. Additionally the supplement group saw a reduction in the prevalence of migraine disability. At the onset of this study the prevalence of migraine disability was 60% and by the end of the study dropped to 30%. This reduction was not seen in the placebo group. Reductions in migraine frequency and severity of pain were also seen in the supplement group but not in the placebo group.
Prior studies have shown benefits of higher dosages of Vitamin B2 supplementation for migraine prevention.
Approximately 10% of the world’s population suffers from migraine headaches which occur most often in people between the ages of 20 to 50 years old. Migraines are 3 times more likely to be experienced by women than men. Headaches may be preceded by anxiety, tingling in the arms or legs, blind spots, or flashes of light. Sufferers may also experience a pounding feeling in one side of the head and may also become extremely sensitive to light and noise and feel nausea and vomiting. These symptoms often times are debilitating and can last anywhere between 4 to 72 hours.
Further studies are warranted.
Now here is a little basic information about B Vitamins:
Collectively, all B-Vitamins are called B-Complex. The Vitamins B-1, B-2 and B-6 should be taken in equal strengths, as should Choline and Inositol. B-Complex Vitamins are active providing the body with energy, basically by converting carbohydrates into glucose which the body then burns to produce energy. B Complex Vitamins are also vital in the metabolism of protein and fat. The B Vitamins are necessary for normal functioning of the central nervous system and may be the single most important factor for the health of nerves. During times of stress the nervous system can become depleted of B Vitamins. Stressful situations include physical or emotional overwork, infection or injury, fad or poor dieting, excessive alcohol or drug use and intense sports and workout. Other B- Vitamin functions include muscle tone maintenance in the gastrointestinal tract as well as skin, hair, eyes, mouth and liver health. A B- Vitamin deficiency can cause fatigue or low energy levels, affect the inability to handle stress, nervousness and result in poor hair and skin condition.
B-Vitamins are water soluble which means they are not stored but remain within cells and in the bloodstream for just a few hours. What is not used in this short period of time is excreted from the body as waste. Most people take a controlled released form of water soluble supplements to insure the most absorption. Controlled release is a process used in manufacturing water soluble supplements that provide a prolonged dispersion of these water soluble vitamins throughout the day (Up to 12 hours). Controlled release allows the water soluble nutrients to be released into the bloodstream more slowly, over a prolonged period of time, at a rate that allows tissues to efficiently absorb and utilize them.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is important for keeping the central nervous and immune systems healthy in addition to be important for the normal development of the brain. Food sources of Vitamin B6 include fortified cereals, bananas, chickpeas, potatoes, fish and poultry. Certain conditions like Kidney Disease and Malabsorpiton syndromes may prevent the small intestines from absorbing Vitamin B6. Certain medications as well as alcohol dependence can lead to Vitamin B6 deficiencies. A Vitamin B6 deficiency usually goes hand in hand with a deficiency in other B Vitamins.
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