Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiency has been long suspected to play a role in the development of migraines, but so far it has not been directly linked to migraines. A new study published in the latest issue of Headache compared vitamin B12 status in 70 migraine sufferers with 70 healthy people with similar demographics.
Does vitamin B12 help migraines?
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for the normal functioning of your nervous system and for the production of healthy red blood cells, but exactly how vitamin B12 could reduce migraines is unclear. In one study, doctors in the Netherlands treated 19 migraine sufferers with a nasal spray containing vitamin B12 once daily for three months.
What are the symptoms of a B12 deficiency?
What are the symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency?
- Tingling hands or feet. Vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause “pins and needles” in the hands or feet. ...
- Trouble walking. Over time, peripheral nerve damage resulting from vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to movement problems.
- Pale skin. ...
- Fatigue. ...
- Fast heart rate. ...
- Shortness of breath. ...
- Mouth pain. ...
- Problems thinking or reasoning. ...
- Irritability. ...
Is vitamin B12 deficiency and migraine linked?
Among individuals who suffer from migraine headache, there is a greater risk of low levels of vitamin B12, and higher levels of methylmalonic acid (which is increased with B12 deficiency) according to a study published in the journal Headache.*. The study compared 70 men and women who experienced chronic or episodic migraines, to 70 healthy adults who did not have the condition.
What vitamin is good for migraine?
Vitamin D. This nutrient is found in some foods and helps the body absorb calcium, which is needed to maintain strong bones. Researchers are investigating a link between vitamin D deficiency and migraine; Otherwise it isn't yet clear how vitamin D helps in migraines. A nine-month study in the December 2015 issue of Annals of Neurology that ...
Can B12 trigger migraines?
Deficiencies of folic acid and B-12 cause pernicious anemia (a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the intestines cannot properly absorb vitamin B12). When severe enough, it can trigger migraines as a symptom, in addition to fatigue, memory loss and irritability.
Can too many B vitamins cause migraines?
1) B vitamins, including B6 and B12 High levels of it can cause many problems – one of the most common of which is headaches.
Can low B12 trigger migraines?
Catalysation of homocysteine requires the presence of vitamins B6, B12 and folate. Deficiencies in these cofactor vitamins result in hypomethylation, which triggers migraine.
Is vitamin B12 good for migraines?
The study revealed migraine patients who were given 2 mg of folic acid in conjunction with vitamins B12 and B6 achieved greater success in reducing their migraine symptoms than patients who received 1 mg of folic acid in combination with vitamins B12 and B6.
What supplements can cause migraines?
The excessive ingestion of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A and D, and some water-soluble vitamins, including the various B vitamins and vitamin C, has the potential for serious side effects. Niacin may cause headaches.
Why do I get a Headache when I take vitamins?
Multivitamins that offer large amounts of fat-soluble vitamins can be harmful, as excess levels of these vitamins can build up in the body. For instance, excess intakes of vitamin A may cause headaches, liver damage, weaker bones, and birth defects ( 11 ).
Why do I get a headache when I take B12?
Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting.
How much B12 should I take for migraines?
The beneficial effects in reducing migraine frequency appeared after a month of daily doses of 400 mg, and increased over the next two months, researchers said. The 400 mg daily dose is 200 times the recommended daily allowance of this vitamin.
What vitamin deficiency can cause migraines?
Vitamin B2 Deficiency The B vitamins help to protect from headaches, according to the National Headache Foundation, but it is B2 (riboflavin) that really stands out and where a deficiency may lead to headaches.
Is it OK to take 1000 mcg of B12 a day?
There is no risk of an overdose when taking large amounts of vitamin B-12 such as 1000 mcg, because it is a water-soluble vitamin. Meaning the body will use the amount that it needs then the excess will be excreted through urine.
Which vitamin helps with migraines?
People who have migraine may be interested in dietary supplements to prevent or treat attacks, especially if they can't tolerate medications. Some research supports the use of vitamin B2, magnesium, vitamin D, coenzyme Q10, and melatonin to help with migraine.
What can I take daily to prevent migraines?
These include beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran XL, others) and metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil (Verelan) can be helpful in preventing migraines with aura. Antidepressants. A tricyclic antidepressant (amitriptyline) can prevent migraines.
Can too much vitamin B complex cause headaches?
Safety and side effects High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache. Nausea and vomiting.
Can too much B6 cause headaches?
In some people, vitamin B6 might cause nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, and other side effects. Vitamin B6 is possibly unsafe when taken in doses of 500 mg or more daily. High doses of vitamin B6, especially 1000 mg or more daily, might cause brain and nerve problems.
Are B vitamins good for migraines?
High doses of Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) may help prevent migraine headaches, a European study reports in the journal Neurology. The beneficial effects in reducing migraine frequency appeared after a month of daily doses of 400 mg, and increased over the next two months, researchers said.
How much vitamin B2 should I take for migraines?
For migraine headaches: The most common dose is riboflavin 400 mg daily for at least three months.
How to treat vitamin B12 deficiency?
Treatment of B12 Deficiency 1 A common treatment for patients with vitamin B-12 deficiency is intranasal hydroxocobalamin, a natural form of vitamin B-12 inhaled through the nose. 2 Over half the participants saw a 50 percent or greater decrease in frequency of migraines from the treatment.
How long does a migraine last?
Migraines are severe headaches generally lasting from four to 72 hours. Although characteristics of migraines differ among sufferers, they often begin with an aura -- dots of light, wavy lines in vision, blind spots or other visual symptoms -- and then gradually develop into a pounding in the head that leads to nausea and/or vomiting. Extreme sensitivity to light and sound are also very common.
Does fish oil cause migraines?
Fish Oil & Migraines. Learn More. Many theories exist on the possible causes of migraines. Scientists suggest that elevated homocysteine -- an amino acid found in the blood -- may disrupt cells in the nerves and blood vessels to produce migraines.
How long does a migraine last?
Chronic migraine is a particular classification of a headache that is typically unilateral and pulsatile and lasts for at least 3 months.
Is vitamin B12 good for migraines?
In addition to current therapeutics such as triptans, ergotamine, and monoclonal antibodies targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors, vitamin B12 has been investigated for its possible use as a prophylactic agent for migraines.
What happens if you don't have B12?
If a person lacks B12 in their diet then their red blood count will be low and their nerves will be affected. This is when the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are triggered. If the condition is left untreated, problems related to vision, memory and physical co-ordination can occur, as well as heart failure, which is why recognising ...
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?
VITAMIN B12 deficiency symptoms are important to recognise because left untreated, serious long-term health complications can occur. Certain feelings in the body can signal the condition, and there are three to watch out for. By Katrina Turrill.
What does it mean when you feel low B12 levels?
Three feelings in the body may indicate low levels of B12 in the body, according to Thyroid Patient Advocacy - migraines, tingling pain in a number of places in the body, and nerve shock in the side of the body.
What to do if you don't get enough B12?
If a person if not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet they may be advised by a GP to eat more food fortified with vitamin B12 or to take regular supplements. Vitamin B12 injections may also be recommended, and for those with pernicious anaemia, injections may be required for the rest of their lives.
Is B12 good for you?
The vitamin is vital in the production of red blood cells and keeping the nerves healthy, and is best gained through diet. But foods rich in B12 tend to be from an animal origin, which means vegans and vegetarians are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Certain medical conditions can also lead to a person struggling to get enough B12 ...
Is it a migraine if you have visual problems?
Doctors say it’s a migraine if the described visual problems occur, whether there is significant pain or not. “ (Migraines of most individuals have causes other than B12 deficiency, but migraines of certain individuals diminish or stop completely after they are treated for B12 deficiency.)”.
Do you need B12 injections for pernicious anemia?
Vitamin B12 injections may also be recommended, and for those with pernicious anaemia, injections may be required for the rest of their lives.
Does B12 have any side effects?
Along with its needed effects, cyanocobalamin (the active ingredient contained in Vitamin B12) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Does cyanocobalamin need medical attention?
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of cyanocobalamin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
How many drugs are associated with headaches?
Headache (pain in head) is found to be associated with 4,766 drugs and 5,093 conditions by eHealthMe.
Does B12 cause headaches?
Summary: Headache is found among people who take Vitamin b12, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for < 1 month. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Vitamin b12 and have Headache. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 80,314 people who have side effects when taking Vitamin b12 ...
Is B12 a cobalamin?
Vitamin b12 has active ingredients of cobalamin. It is often used in vitamin b12 deficiency. eHealthMe is studying from 81,691 Vitamin b12 users for its effectiveness, alternative drugs and more.