Migraine is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that there are over 1 billion people worldwide who suffer from migraines. It is one of the most common neurological disorders and a leading cause of disability among men and women all around the world.
What is even sad is that the burden of migraines is not only on the individuals suffering but also on their families, friends, and society as a whole. It can lead to absenteeism and reduced productivity at work and can also have a significant impact on quality of life.
If you are suffering from the issue and looking for a natural and reliable solution, we’ve got one. But let’s walk through some crucial information about the condition first.
What is Migraine?
Migraine is a headache characterized by moderate to severe pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last for several hours or even days and can be devastating for those who experience them.
They are often recurrent and can be triggered by various factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods or beverages.
Moreover, migraine is a broad-spectrum disease and can be divided into several different types, including:
- Migraine with aura: This type of migraine is characterized by visual disturbances or “auras” that occur before or during the headache. These can include flashing lights, blind spots, or other visual distortions.
- Migraine without aura: This is the most common type of migraine, characterized by moderate to severe headache pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Chronic migraine: This usually occurs on 15 or more days per month, with headache pain on at least 8 of those days.
- Vestibular migraine: This type is characterized by dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems as the main symptoms, with or without headache pain.
- Hemiplegic migraine: This is a rare type characterized by temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body before or during the headache.
- Menstrual migraine: This type of migraine occurs in women and is triggered by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
- Retinal migraine: It is characterized by temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye, which is usually followed by a headache.
- Child/Adolescent migraine: This type of migraine is characterized by headaches in children and adolescents.
It’s important to note that not all migraines fit into these categories, and a person can experience symptoms overlapping multiple categories. However, most of the treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and preventative therapy.
Possible causes of Migraines
Despite extensive research and characterization of various types, healthcare experts cannot fully understand the exact cause of migraines. But several factors have been identified as potential triggers.
These include;
- Genetics: Migraines tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, can trigger migraines in some women.
- Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as bright lights, loud noises, strong odors, and changes in the weather, can trigger migraines.
- Food and drink: Certain foods and drinks, such as chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, and aged cheeses, can trigger migraines.
- Stress: Stress is a common trigger for migraines, and many people find that their migraines worsen during periods of high stress.
- Sleep: Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns can trigger migraines.
- Medications: Some medications, such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, can trigger migraines.
- Physical factors: Some people get migraines as a result of physical factors such as head injury, neck pain, or jaw disorders.
Besides these triggers, one of the most likely but rarely understood the cause of migraines is the deficiency of vitamins. If you are surprised to read this, don’t worry. We were in the same boat when we found this.
Let’s discover the link between vitamins and migraines in detail below.
Can vitamin deficiency cause migraines?
Vitamin deficiencies can potentially contribute to the development of migraines. Some studies have found that low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12, and magnesium, may be associated with a higher risk of migraines.
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to inflammation in the body, and this inflammation has been linked to migraines. It can cause the blood vessels in the brain to constrict and then dilate, leading to the release of pain-causing chemicals and the onset of a migraine.
Furthermore, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) plays an important role in the metabolism of energy and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals in the brain. Low levels of vitamin B2 can upset the production of neurotransmitters which may hamper the ability of the brain to carry messages and end up in inflammation which is likely to trigger migraine.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) also plays a role in neurotransmitter metabolism and has been linked to migraines in a similar way.
Finally, Vitamin B12 plays a role in brain function and mood. Low levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, which can contribute to migraines. It also helps in the synthesis and transmittance of chemical messengers for efficient neural transduction.
Well, having read this, you probably have the answer to your question that vitamin B12 is definitely good for migraines. And its adequate supplementation may ease the symptoms of the condition.
How? Let’s find out.
Vitamin B12 and Migraines
There is some evidence that vitamin B12 may be beneficial for migraines, but more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin B12 and migraines.
A 2022 study found that low levels of vitamin B12 are associated with migraines. The study was published in the official journal of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, where researchers stated that people who go for migraine follow-ups should get their levels of vitamin B12 checked. It is because, during their study period, researchers found that the deficiency of vitamin B12 and hyperhomocysteinemia cause damage to the endothelial cells by elevating the free radicals, which cause the onset of migraine episodes.
Some other studies have also shown that supplementation with vitamin B12, along with folic acid, reduced the frequency of migraines with aura. However, not all studies have found a link between vitamin B12 and migraines, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the two.
If you want to pinpoint your possible triggers, keeping a migraine diary, noting down the symptoms, triggers, and the timing of the headache, can be helpful.
Last but not least, it’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any vitamin or mineral supplements, as excessive intake of some vitamins can have negative side effects as well.
Potential benefits of Vitamin B12
As mentioned above, vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a number of important roles in the working of the nervous system. Some other potential benefits of vitamin B12 include;
- Production of red blood cells: Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
- DNA synthesis: Vitamin B12 plays a role in the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material of cells.
- Brain function: Vitamin B12 plays a role in the maintenance of the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve cells, which is important for brain function.
- Cardiovascular health: Vitamin B12 may help to lower homocysteine levels, which is an amino acid that can contribute to the development of heart disease when it is present at high levels.
- Mood: Vitamin B12 may help with mood and mental health. Research has shown that people with low levels of vitamin B12 are more likely to have depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Vitamin B12 is important for the development of the fetus and for the production of breast milk.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 works well for migraines; however, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of vitamin B12 and to establish the recommended daily intake and appropriate dosage for different populations. If you are suffering from the condition and are thinking of starting the supplementation, consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary to determine if you have a deficiency and if vitamin B12 supplements are necessary for you. We don’t recommend taking supplements without any expert advice.
