Migraine Prevention: Another Use of Coenzyme Q10

By Richard Maurer, ND

For people suffering from migraines, there are few efficacious, preventive treatments that come with few or no side effects. In this study, 32 patients with episodic migraines, occurring 2-8 times per month were given 150 mg coenzyme Q10 each morning at breakfast for 3-months. 31 out of 32 patients completed the study and no adverse events were associated with Coenzyme Q10 therapy. 93% of the patients had at least a 25% reduction in number of days with migraine and 61% had greater than a 50% reduction in migraine days at the end of 3-months. Only 2 patients showed no improvement.

A clinically relevant finding in this study was the length of time required for maximal effect. After only 1 month the reduction in migraine frequency was 13%, but this number increased to 55% by the end of the 3-month trial, indicating longer treatment might be required.

Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to improve mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in humans. With recent scientific interest in the role that mitochondrial function plays in migraine pathogenesis, it follows that Coenzyme Q10 might improve mitochondrial function and thus prevent migraine. Interestingly, riboflavin, vitamin B2, is indirectly involved in the electron transport chain at the mitochondria, and in several placebo controlled clinical trials, vitamin B-2 has been shown to reduce migraine frequency.

Rozen TD, et. al. Open label trial of Coenzyme Q10 as a migraine preventive. Cephalagia 2002; 22:137-141.