Migraine
Supplements studied for migraine.
Overview
Caffeine combined with pain relievers like acetaminophen and aspirin has high-strength evidence for acute migraine treatment across 10 studies. Melatonin at 3 to 4 mg in the evening, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) at 100 to 400 mg daily, and Coenzyme Q10 at 100 to 400 mg daily have medium-strength evidence for prevention, reducing attack frequency, duration, or severity.
Vitamin D supplementation shows preliminary but uncertain preventive benefit in small trials. The heatmap and evidence reviews below compare these options across 70 studies.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Caffeine | ★★★★★ | High |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Coenzyme Q10 | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Ginger | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Probiotics | ★★★★★ | Low |
| L-Carnitine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Nattokinase | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Inulin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Selenium | ★★★★★ | Low |
| L-Tryptophan | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Kudzu | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Devil's Claw | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Resveratrol | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
16 supplements for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
CaffeineView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Caffeine taken with pain relievers like acetaminophen and aspirin is approved by the FDA for treating migraine headaches.
- Medicines like Excedrin Migraine have caffeine doses similar to a cup of coffee and help many people get relief within 30 minutes.
- Some studies show caffeine combined with these pain medicines can even work better than certain migraine drugs like sumatriptan.
- However, caffeine combined with another migraine drug called ergotamine may not be as effective.
- The amount of caffeine used in these medicines usually ranges from 100 to 260 mg per dose.
Browse 10 studies
RCTComparison of tolerability and efficacy of a combination of paracetamol + caffeine and sumatriptan in the treatment of migraine attack: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, cross-over study2012n=112
In 112 migraine patients (ages 18–62), paracetamol 1000 mg plus caffeine 130 mg was similarly effective and tolerable to sumatriptan 50 mg for acute migraine relief in a double-blind crossover trial.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 130 mg
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 112
- Ages
- 18–62
RCTOTC analgesics in headache treatment: open-label phase vs randomized double-blind phase of a large clinical trial2009n=1,734
Pooled analysis of 1,734 headache patients showed open-label use of usual OTC analgesics produced similar 2-hour pain reduction to blinded acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine in the randomized trial phase.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients with headache
- Participants
- 1,734
RCTAcetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine versus sumatriptan succinate in the early treatment of migraine: results from the ASSET trial2005n=188
In the ASSET early-treatment migraine trial, acetaminophen 500 mg plus aspirin 500 mg and caffeine 130 mg was significantly more effective than sumatriptan 50 mg for pain relief and associated symptoms when treated at headache onset.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 130 mg
- Participants
- 188
RCTEfficacy of diclofenac sodium softgel 100 mg with or without caffeine 100 mg in migraine without aura: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study2004n=72
In a phase II crossover migraine trial, diclofenac softgel 100 mg plus caffeine 100 mg provided significantly more 60-minute headache relief (41% vs 14%) and less rescue medication use than placebo or diclofenac alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 100 mg
- Participants
- 72
RCTEfficacy of a fixed combination of indomethacin, prochlorperazine, and caffeine versus sumatriptan in acute treatment of multiple migraine attacks: a multicenter, randomized, crossover trial2003n=12
In 88 compliant migraine patients treating 4 attacks, rectal indomethacin/prochlorperazine/caffeine achieved pain-free status in 49% at 2 hours versus 34% for sumatriptan, with better nausea relief and sustained pain-free response.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 attacks
- Population
- Migraine patients
- Participants
- 12
RCTComparative efficacy and safety of calcium carbasalate plus metoclopramide versus ergotamine tartrate plus caffeine in the treatment of acute migraine attacks1999n=296
In 296 migraine patients treating 2 attacks, calcium carbasalate plus metoclopramide achieved 54% vs 36% headache relief at 2 hours versus ergotamine plus caffeine, with significantly fewer GI adverse events.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 attacks
- Dose
- 100 mg
- Population
- Migraine patients
- Participants
- 296
RCTTreatment of menstruation-associated migraine with the nonprescription combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine: results from three randomized, placebo-controlled studies1999n=1,220
In 185 women with menstruation-associated migraine from three RCTs, acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine significantly improved pain and associated symptoms similarly to non-menstrual migraine attacks versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 1,220
RCTTreatment of severe, disabling migraine attacks in an over-the-counter population of migraine sufferers: results from three randomized, placebo-controlled studies of the combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine1999n=1,220
In pooled post-hoc analysis of 172 severe migraine patients from three RCTs, acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine significantly improved pain, disability, photophobia, and phonophobia from 1–6 hours versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 1,220
RCTEfficacy and safety of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine in alleviating migraine headache pain: three double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials1998
In three placebo-controlled migraine RCTs (1,220 efficacy-evaluable patients), acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine reduced pain to mild/none in 59% at 2 hours and rendered 51% pain-free at 6 hours versus 24% and 24% on placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 attacks
- Population
- Migraine patients
RCTA randomized, double-blind comparison of sumatriptan and Cafergot in the acute treatment of migraine. The Multinational Oral Sumatriptan and Cafergot Comparative Study Group1991n=580
In 580 European migraine patients, oral sumatriptan 100 mg reduced headache to mild/none in 66% at 2 hours versus 48% for Cafergot (ergotamine 2 mg plus caffeine 200 mg), with faster relief but more headache recurrence on sumatriptan.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 200 mg/day
- Population
- Migraine patients
- Participants
- 580
Coenzyme Q10View supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may help prevent migraines in adults but its benefits for children are unclear.
- Studies show that adults taking 100 to 400 mg of CoQ10 daily can have fewer migraine attacks each month, migraines that last shorter times, and less severe headaches.
- It may take up to three months for CoQ10 to start helping.
- For children, CoQ10 doesn’t always reduce headaches, except possibly in those with low CoQ10 levels.
- In some cases, it works as well as migraine medicines like amitriptyline after a few months.
Browse 11 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaEffects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2025
A meta-analysis of 22 migraine trials found alpha-lipoic acid reduced attack frequency by 1.24 and severity by 0.38 versus control, among several supplements showing prophylactic benefit.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
RCTA Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 and Amitriptyline in the Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine Headaches in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial2022n=72
In 72 children aged 5–15 with migraine, CoQ10 prophylaxis matched amitriptyline on frequency, duration, and severity after 3 months but caused fewer side effects.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 1–2 mg/kg
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 72
- Ages
- 5–15
MetaCoenzyme Q10 supplementation for prophylaxis in adult patients with migraine-a meta-analysis2021n=371
A meta-analysis of 6 migraine trials (371 adults) found CoQ10 reduced headache duration and frequency but not severity versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 371
- Ages
- 18–50
RCTThe synergistic effects of nano-curcumin and coenzyme Q10 supplementation in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial2021n=100
In 100 adults with episodic migraine, 8 weeks of combined nano-curcumin (80 mg) plus CoQ10 (300 mg) reduced attack frequency, severity, duration, and disability more than either alone or placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 80 mg
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 100
- Avg age
- ~32
RCTOral coenzyme Q10 supplementation in patients with migraine: Effects on clinical features and inflammatory markers2019n=23
A study involving 45 non-menopausal women with episodic migraine found that 400 mg/day coenzyme Q10 significantly reduced the frequency, duration and severity of migraine attacks when compared to placebo. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation significantly reduced calcitonin gene-related peptide and TNF-α but not IL-6 and IL-10 compared to placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 400 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 23
- Ages
- 18–50
Open-labelEffectiveness of coenzyme Q10 in prophylactic treatment of migraine headache: an open-label, add-on, controlled trial2017n=80
An open-label study involving 80 patients found that 100 mg/day coenzyme Q10 in addition to existing preventative treatment reduced monthly frequency of migraine from 1.6 to 0.5 and also decreased migraine pain severity. For a greater than 50% reduction in the frequency of attacks per month, the number needed to treat was 1.6. No side effects were observed.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 100 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 80
RCTEfficacy of coenzyme Q10 for the prevention of migraine in women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2017n=84
A 12-week double-blind RCT in 84 women with episodic migraine reported that 400 mg/day CoQ10 reduced attack frequency, severity, and duration versus placebo; no abstract was available.
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 400 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 84
RCTA randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover, add-on study of CoEnzyme Q10 in the prevention of pediatric and adolescent migraine2011n=76
In 120 children with migraine, 100 mg/day CoQ10 for 224 days did not outperform placebo on frequency, severity, or duration at day 224, though both groups improved over time.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 224 days
- Dose
- 100 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 76
Clinical trialCoenzyme Q10 deficiency and response to supplementation in pediatric and adolescent migraine2007n=1,550
In 252 pediatric migraine patients with low CoQ10, 1–3 mg/kg/day supplementation for a mean 97 days raised CoQ10 levels and reduced headache frequency from 19.2 to 12.5 days per month.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 3 mg/kg
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 1,550
- Avg age
- ~13
RCTEfficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial2005
In 42 migraine patients, 300 mg/day CoQ10 (3×100 mg) for 3 months reduced attack frequency, headache days, and nausea days versus placebo, with a number needed to treat of 3.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 300 mg/day
- Population
- Migraine patients
Open-labelOpen label trial of coenzyme Q10 as a migraine preventive2002n=32
An open-label study in 32 migraine patients found 150 mg/day CoQ10 for 3 months cut migraine days from 7.34 to 2.95 and attacks from 4.85 to 2.81, with 61% achieving ≥50% reduction.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 1 month
- Dose
- 150 mg/day
- Population
- Heart failure patients
- Participants
- 32
MelatoninView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Melatonin may help prevent migraine headaches when taken regularly but is less clear for treating a migraine once it has started. People with migraine might make less melatonin naturally. Studies in adults show that taking 3–4 mg in the evening for several weeks can reduce how often migraines happen, how long they last, and how severe they feel, while also lowering the need for pain medicine. Some studies even suggest melatonin works about as well as prescription medicines like amitriptyline or valproate for prevention, but more research is needed.
- In one study, a lower dose of 2 mg extended-release melatonin for 8 weeks did not help prevent migraines, so not all forms and doses are equally effective.
- Research in children also looks promising. Taking melatonin 0.3 mg per kilogram of body weight each day for about three months reduced how often children aged 5–15 years got migraines and how bad they felt. A separate study found that melatonin helped reduce pain a few hours after a migraine attack in children and teens, especially with higher doses, though the study had important limitations.
Browse 15 studies·3 meta-analyses
RCTFixed combination of palmitoylethanolamide and melatonin in preventive therapy of migraine: results from a randomized clinical trial2025n=30
In 60 migraine patients, PEA plus melatonin 0.2 mg for 3 months reduced migraine frequency and severity versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 0.2 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 30
- Ages
- 18–65
RCTThe Effect of Melatonin on Reducing the Frequency and Severity of Migraine Attacks: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial2024n=60
In 60 adults with episodic migraine on propranolol, melatonin 3 mg for 2 months reduced attack frequency and duration versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 months
- Dose
- 3 mg
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 60
MetaEfficacy and Safety of Melatonin as Prophylaxis for Migraine in Adults: A Meta-analysis2022
A meta-analysis of 3 adult migraine prophylaxis trials found melatonin reduced migraine frequency versus placebo, though evidence was limited.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
RCTMelatonin for Acute Treatment of Migraine in Children and Adolescents: A Pilot Randomized Trial2020n=42
In a pediatric pilot trial, neither high- nor low-dose melatonin clearly outperformed the other for acute migraine treatment in children aged 4–17.
- Dose
- 4 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 42
- Ages
- 4–17
MetaThe association between melatonin and episodic migraine: A pilot network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare the prophylactic effects with exogenous melatonin supplementation and pharmacotherapy2020n=4,499
A network meta-analysis found melatonin ranked among effective episodic migraine prophylactics versus placebo, though head-to-head drug comparisons were indirect.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Population
- ALL patients
- Participants
- 4,499
- Avg age
- ~36
Clinical trialMelatonin 4 mg as prophylactic therapy for primary headaches: a pilot study2016n=49
In 49 patients with migraine or tension headache, melatonin 4 mg for 6 months reduced headache frequency, with significant benefit in tension-type headache.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 4 mg/day
- Population
- Adults with migraine or tension-type headache
- Participants
- 49
RCTRandomised clinical trial comparing melatonin 3 mg, amitriptyline 25 mg and placebo for migraine prevention2016n=196
In 196 adults with migraine, melatonin 3 mg nightly for 3 months reduced migraine days similarly to amitriptyline 25 mg and better than placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 196
- Ages
- 18–65
Clinical trialSafety and efficacy of melatonin in pediatric migraine prophylaxis2015n=14
In 60 children with migraine, melatonin 3 mg for 8 weeks reduced headache frequency and severity with good tolerability versus pretreatment baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 0.3 mg/kg
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 14
- Avg age
- ~10
RCTA randomized controlled trial with bright light and melatonin for the treatment of delayed sleep phase disorder: effects on subjective and objective sleepiness and cognitive function2013
An RCT in delayed sleep phase disorder found combined bright light and melatonin over 3 months improved daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and cognitive function, with benefits wearing off after treatment ended.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Population
- Young adults
MetaMeta-analysis: melatonin for the treatment of primary sleep disorders2013n=1,683
A meta-analysis of 19 primary sleep disorder trials (1,683 subjects) found melatonin reduced sleep onset latency by 7.1 minutes, increased total sleep time by 8.3 minutes, and improved overall sleep quality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 1,683
RCTMelatonin treatment effects on adolescent students' sleep timing and sleepiness in a placebo-controlled crossover study2012
A 5-week crossover study of adolescent students found 1 mg afternoon melatonin advanced sleep onset by 68 minutes, lengthened sleep by 62 minutes, and reduced morning sleepiness vs placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 5 weeks
- Dose
- 1 mg
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Ages
- 14–19
RCTProphylaxis of migraine with melatonin: a randomized controlled trial2010n=46
In 48 adults with migraine, extended-release melatonin 2 mg for 8 weeks reduced migraine attack frequency versus placebo in a crossover trial.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 2 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 46
- Ages
- 18–65
Clinical trialMelatonin, 3 mg, is effective for migraine prevention2004
An open trial reported melatonin 3 mg was effective for migraine prevention, though detailed outcome data were not provided in the available abstract.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 3 mg
Clinical trialEvaluating the role of melatonin in the long-term treatment of delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS)1998n=61
A long-term study of 61 DSPS patients found 96.7% reported melatonin helpful for sleep timing, though 91.5% relapsed within 1 year of stopping 5 mg/day treatment.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12–18 months
- Dose
- 5 mg
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 61
RCTNocturnal melatonin excretion is decreased in patients with migraine without aura attacks associated with menses1995n=10
In 19 women with menstrual migraine, mean nocturnal melatonin excretion was lower than in controls and did not rise normally from follicular to luteal phase.
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 10
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)View supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking riboflavin (vitamin B2) by mouth may help reduce how often adults get migraines and how long and painful these attacks are.
- Studies using doses between 100 and 400 mg daily for about three months show some benefit, with effects similar to some prescription migraine preventives.
- For children, the benefits of riboflavin are less clear; some studies show it might help, but results are not definite.
- Some people take riboflavin together with magnesium and other supplements to prevent migraines.
- Riboflavin is generally safe and has few side effects, so it can be an option to try for migraine prevention.
Browse 15 studies·3 meta-analyses
MetaEffects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39404918/2024
A meta-analysis of 22 migraine trials found alpha-lipoic acid reduced attack frequency by 1.24 and severity by 0.38 versus control, among several supplements showing prophylactic benefit.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
ObservationalDietary intake of thiamine and riboflavin in relation to severe headache or migraine: A cross-sectional survey https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36047917/2022n=13,439
An observational study of 13439 adults found that dietary thiamine intake was significantly inversely associated with severe headache or migraine (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.88-1.00, p = 0.046).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 13,439
- Ages
- 20+
MetaEffect of Vitamin B2 supplementation on migraine prophylaxis: a systematic review and meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33779525/2022n=673
A meta-analysis of 673 participants found that 400 mg/day vitamin B2 supplementation significantly decreased migraine days ( p = .005, I 2 = 89%), duration ( p = .003, I 2 = 0), frequency ( p = .001, I 2 = 65%), and pain score ( p = .015, I 2 = 84%).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 400 mg/day
- Participants
- 673
ObservationalNutritional intake of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and migraine: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2004 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36175363/2022n=3,439
An observational study of 3439 adults found that odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for riboflavin intake quartiles using an adjusted logistic regression model.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 3,439
- Ages
- 20–50
ObservationalRetrospective Observational Study on Riboflavin Prophylaxis in Child and Adolescent Migraine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33189027/2021n=42
An observational study of 42 children/adolescents found that riboflavin prophylaxis also reduced migraine intensity and duration.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2–4 months
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 42
- Ages
- 6–18
ObservationalEffectiveness of low-dose riboflavin as a prophylactic agent in pediatric migraine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32336482/2020n=43
A study of 43 children/adolescents found that 40 mg/day however, non-responders were more likely to have co-morbid non-migraine headaches (odds ratio, 4.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-13.33; p = 0.02); this variable was also significant in a multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.16-12.6; p = 0.03).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 40 mg/day
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 43
MetaEfficacy, Safety, and Acceptability of Pharmacologic Treatments for Pediatric Migraine Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32040139/2020n=2,217
A meta-analysis of 2217 participants found that in the short term (<5 months), propranolol (standard mean difference, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.03-1.17) and topiramate (standard mean difference, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.03-1.15) were significantly more effective than placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 2,217
RCTImprovement of migraine symptoms with a proprietary supplement containing riboflavin, magnesium and Q10: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25916335/2015n=130
A randomized trial of 130 adults found that migraine symptoms and burden of disease, however, were statistically significantly reduced compared to placebo in patients with migraine attacks.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 130
- Ages
- 18–65
RCTMedium-dose riboflavin as a prophylactic agent in children with migraine: a preliminary placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, cross-over trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20974610/2010n=42
A crossover trial of 42 adults found that 50 mg/day for 16 weeks secondary outcome measures were mean severity and mean duration of migraine and tension-type headaches in the last 4 weeks at the end of the riboflavin and placebo phase, compared with the preceding baseline or wash-out period.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Dose
- 50 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 42
- Ages
- 6–13
RCTHigh-dose riboflavin for migraine prophylaxis in children: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18984840/2008n=27
A randomized trial of 27 children/adolescents found that 200 mg/day a 50% or greater reduction in headaches was seen in 14/21 patients in the placebo group and 12/27 patients in the riboflavin group (not significant P = .125).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 200 mg/day
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 27
RCTA combination of riboflavin, magnesium, and feverfew for migraine prophylaxis: a randomized trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15447697/2004n=49
A randomized trial of 49 found that 400 mg riboflavin + 300 mg magnesium + 100 mg feverfew/day for 3 months similarly, there was no significant difference in secondary outcome measures, for active versus placebo groups, respectively: 50% or greater reduction in migraine days (33% and 40%, P=.63); or change in mean number of migraines, migraine days, migraine index, or triptan d
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 400 mg riboflavin + 300 mg magnesium + 100 mg feverfew/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 49
Open-labelHigh-dose riboflavin treatment is efficacious in migraine prophylaxis: an open study in a tertiary care centre https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15257686/2004
A study found that 400 mg/day for 6 months in contrast, headache hours and headache intensity did not change significantly.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 400 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
Prophylactic treatment of migraine with beta-blockers and riboflavin: differential effects on the intensity dependence of auditory evoked cortical potentials https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10759900/2000n=15
A study of 15 patients with migraine found that after the treatment with beta-blockers, the intensity dependence of the auditory evoked cortical potentials was significantly decreased (before: 1.66+/-1.02 microV/10 dB; after: 0.79+/-1.06 microV/10 dB, P=.02).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 months
- Population
- Patients with migraine
- Participants
- 15
RCTEffectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis. A randomized controlled trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9484373/1998n=55
A randomized trial of 55 patients with migraine found that 400 mg/day regarding the latter, the proportion of patients who improved by at least 50%, i.e. "responders," was 15% for placebo and 59% for riboflavin (p = 0.002) and the number-needed-to-treat for effectiveness was 2.3.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 400 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with migraine
- Participants
- 55
Controlled trialHigh-dose riboflavin as a prophylactic treatment of migraine: results of an open pilot study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7828189/1994n=49
A study of 49 adults found that 400 mg/day mean global improvement after therapy was 68.2% and there was no difference between the two groups of patients.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 400 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 49
GingerView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Studies show ginger may help reduce migraine pain and how long it lasts, but it does not seem to prevent migraines.
- People with regular migraines taking ginger every day for three months did not have fewer headaches than those taking a placebo.
- However, taking ginger at the start of a migraine can make the pain less severe, and ginger works as well as prescription medicine sumatriptan for this use.
- A mix of ginger and feverfew also helped lessen migraine pain, but it is not clear if ginger or feverfew was responsible for the benefit.
Browse 5 studies
RCTDouble-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) in the prophylactic treatment of migraine2020n=107
In 107 migraine patients, ginger 600 mg/day for 3 months significantly reduced monthly migraine attack frequency versus placebo in a double-blind prophylaxis trial.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 600 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 107
- Ages
- 18–60
RCTDouble-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginger ( Zingiber officinale Rosc.) addition in migraine acute treatment2019n=60
In 60 migraine patients treated in the emergency room, ginger 400 mg added to standard treatment significantly improved acute migraine relief versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 400 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 60
RCTComparison between the efficacy of ginger and sumatriptan in the ablative treatment of the common migraine2014n=100
In 100 migraine patients, ginger powder was comparably effective to sumatriptan 50 mg for reducing headache severity within 2 hours in a double-blind trial.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 250 mg
- Population
- Adults with acute migraine
- Participants
- 100
RCTA double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study of sublingual feverfew and ginger (LipiGesic™ M) in the treatment of migraine2011n=60
In 60 migraine patients, sublingual feverfew-ginger (LipiGesic M) taken during mild headache phase reduced pain at 2 hours in 63% versus 39% on placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 1 month
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 60
Open-labelGelstat Migraine (sublingually administered feverfew and ginger compound) for acute treatment of migraine when administered during the mild pain phase2005n=30
In an open-label study of 30 migraine patients, GelStat Migraine (feverfew plus ginger) taken during mild headache phase improved pain-free response versus baseline.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 30
L-CarnitineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- A small study showed that taking 500 mg of L-carnitine daily for 12 weeks did not reduce migraine attacks or their severity in adults.
- However, in children with episodic migraines, L-carnitine taken twice daily worked as well as a common migraine drug called propranolol in reducing the number, severity, and length of migraines.
- Some research also suggests that combining L-carnitine with certain fatty acids may help reduce migraines in adults, but more studies are needed.
Browse 3 studies
RCTL-carnitine versus Propranolol for pediatric migraine prophylaxis2021n=56
In 56 children with episodic migraine, L-carnitine 50 mg/kg/day and propranolol 1 mg/kg/day both significantly reduced migraine frequency and severity over 12 weeks, with no significant difference between treatments.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 50 mg/kg
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 56
- Avg age
- ~10
RCTAcetyl-l-carnitine versus placebo for migraine prophylaxis: A randomized, triple-blind, crossover study2015n=72
In 72 adults with episodic migraine, a 12-week crossover trial found no significant difference between acetyl-L-carnitine 3 g/day and placebo for moderate/severe headache days (3.0 vs 3.1 per month).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 3 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 72
- Ages
- 18–65
RCTThe effects of magnesium, L-carnitine, and concurrent magnesium-L-carnitine supplementation in migraine prophylaxis2012
In 133 migraine patients, 12 weeks of magnesium oxide 500 mg/day, L-carnitine 500 mg/day, or combined supplementation all significantly reduced migraine frequency, duration, and severity versus control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 500 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
ProbioticsView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Probiotics have no meaningful benefit for Migraine.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaEffects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2024
A meta-analysis of 22 migraine trials found alpha-lipoic acid reduced attack frequency by 1.24 and severity by 0.38 versus control, among several supplements showing prophylactic benefit.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
Vitamin DView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if taking vitamin D by mouth helps reduce migraines, but some small studies show promise.
- Taking vitamin D supplements (2000 to 4000 IU daily for a few months or a large weekly dose for two months) may lower the number of migraine attacks by 2 to 3 each month compared to not taking vitamin D. More research is needed to be sure.
Browse 2 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaEffects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2024
A meta-analysis of 22 migraine trials found alpha-lipoic acid reduced attack frequency by 1.24 and severity by 0.38 versus control, among several supplements showing prophylactic benefit.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
MetaVitamin D supplementation for the treatment of migraine: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies2021n=301
A meta-analysis of 6 RCTs (301 migraine patients) found vitamin D supplementation reduced monthly headache attacks (−2.74), headache days (−1.56), and MIDAS disability score.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 301
InulinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Current research does not clearly show a reliable benefit of inulin for migraine.
- A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluating whether inulin supplementation can improve migraine characteristics, quality of life, and mental health symptoms in women with migraine.
- More studies are needed.
Browse 1 study
RCTA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial to test the effect of inulin supplementation on migraine headache characteristics, quality of life and mental health symptoms in women with migraine2024n=80
In 80 women with migraine (ages 20–50) over 12 weeks, inulin (10 g/day) improved headache characteristics, quality of life, and mental health versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 10 g/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 80
- Ages
- 20–50
NattokinaseView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- There is not enough evidence to determine if nattokinase has any benefit for migraine.
Browse 1 study
RCTRandomized, controlled trial of phytoestrogen in the prophylactic treatment of menstrual migraine2002n=49
In 49 women with menstrual migraine, 60 mg/day soy isoflavones plus dong quai and black cohosh for 24 weeks reduced migraine frequency from 10.3 to 4.7 per month vs placebo (P < 0.01).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 24 weeks
- Dose
- 60 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 49
KudzuView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if kudzu helps with migraine headaches.
- In one early study, adults with migraines took a kudzu capsule daily for 90 days and had about 3 fewer headache attacks per month.
- About half of the people had their monthly headaches cut in half.
- They also had small improvements in how headaches affected their daily life and medication use.
- The study had limitations because there was no comparison group.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalResponse of migraine without aura to kudzu2019
An observational report described migraine improvement in a patient using kudzu, but controlled outcome data were not reported in the available record.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Migraine patients
L-TryptophanView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Early research shows that people who consume about 0.8 to 1 gram of L-tryptophan per day may be about half as likely to have migraines compared to those who consume less than 0.6 grams per day.
- This suggests eating more tryptophan might help prevent migraines.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalThe association between dietary tryptophan intake and migraine2019n=514
A case-control study of 514 migraineurs versus 582 controls found lower dietary tryptophan intake associated with migraine.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 0.56 g/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 514
SeleniumView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking a selenium supplement daily for 12 weeks helped people with migraines by lowering the number and severity of headaches.
- It also improved markers of oxidative stress, a factor involved in migraine symptoms.
- Selenium did not change the length of headaches or mental health symptoms, but it may be useful as a complementary treatment for migraine.
- More evidence is required.
Browse 1 study
Clinical trialThe effect of selenium supplementation on oxidative stress, clinical symptoms and mental health status in patients with migraine: a study protocol for a double-blinded randomized clinical trial2024n=36
A study protocol for a 12-week double-blind RCT plans to test selenium 200 mcg/day for migraine symptoms and oxidative stress biomarkers in 72 patients.
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 200 mcg/day
- Population
- Patients with migraine
- Participants
- 36
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear whether supplementing with niacin can help reduce migraine headaches.
- Consuming a diet high in niacin (vitamin B3) is linked to a 28% lower chance of having migraines, but taking niacin supplements specifically to prevent migraines has not been tested.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalAssociation between Dietary Niacin Intake and Migraine among American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey2022n=10,246
An observational study of 10246 adults found that compared with individuals with lower niacin consumption Q1 (≤12.3 mg/day), the adjusted OR values for dietary niacin intake and migraine in Q2 (12.4−18.3 mg/day), Q3 (18.4−26.2 mg/day), and Q4 (≥26.3 mg/day) were 0.83 (95% CI: 0.72−0.97, p = 0.019), 0.74 (95% CI: 0.63−0.87, p.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 12.3 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 10,246
- Ages
- 20+
Devil's ClawView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- No summary is available.
Browse 1 study
Open-labelPalmitoylethanolamide-based nutraceutical Calmux® in preventive treatment of migraine2022n=25
An open-label study of 25 patients with episodic migraine treated with a PEA-based nutraceutical for 3 months reported headache days fell from 10 to 6.6 per month and pain intensity decreased from 8.1 to 5.0, with no adverse events.
- Duration
- 3 months
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 25
- Avg age
- ~36
ResveratrolView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- A small study in people with hormonal migraines showed that taking resveratrol twice daily for 3 months did not change how often or how bad headaches were compared to placebo.
- The study’s design may have affected the results.
Browse 1 study
RCTA Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial of Resveratrol Supplementation for Prophylaxis of Hormonal Migraine2022
In 62 hormonal migraineurs, resveratrol for 3 months did not significantly reduce menstrual migraine burden index versus placebo in a crossover trial.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 75 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Avg age
- 37.5±0.8
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melatonin | ★★★★★68% | 15 | 3 | 21% |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | ★★★★★68% | 15 | 3 | 21% |
| Coenzyme Q10 | ★★★★★68% | 11 | 2 | 16% |
| Caffeine | ★★★★★76% | 10 | 0 | 14% |
| Ginger | ★★★★★52% | 5 | 0 | 7% |
| L-Carnitine | ★★★★★48% | 3 | 0 | 4% |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★48% | 2 | 2 | 3% |
| Devil's Claw | ★★★★★36% | 1 | 0 | 1% |
| Inulin | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 1% |
| Kudzu | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 1% |
| L-Tryptophan | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 1% |
| Nattokinase | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 1% |
| Probiotics | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 1 | 1% |
| Resveratrol | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 1% |
| Selenium | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 1% |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 1% |