Loss of sight, excruciating pain and nausea are all symptoms of the nightmare migraine – but thankfully for sufferers, help is on the way – in the form of every day vitamins.
Migraine is a frequent, debilitating and painful disorder that affects 12 percent of Australians. It is a genetic condition - science is currently trying to assess which genes or gene mutations are responsible.
Professor Griffiths from Griffith University in Queensland has recently completed a trial into treatment of migraines with Vitamin B and Folate. The trial has proven successful, now prompting further research. A longer and more widespread trial will be conducted over a year.
Of migraine sufferers 19 percent are known to have a problem with the MTHFR gene which results in raised homocysteine levels - known to cause vascular problems (stroke, coronary disease and miscarriage). By treating with Vitamin B group and Folate the homocysteine levels were significantly reduced as was the frequency and severity of symptoms of migraine.
The study:
- 52 long-term migraine sufferers were used in a six month study.
- The project was aimed at defining the chromosomal location of migraine genes.
- They used DNA markers to localise and identify the basic genetic defects that cause this disorder.
The results
- The study found that the combination of Folate and Vitamin B were successful in reducing the severity, frequency and disability associated with the attacks.
- The trial is awaiting publication.
Folate
- Folate is a B-complex vitamin. It is most commonly associated with pregnancy, more specifically reducing the risks of nervous system problems with infants.
- Folate allows for the complete formation of red blood cells, the cells responsible for carrying oxygen around the body.
- Research is now confirming a link between blood levels of Folate and cardiovascular disease, and dementias, including Alzheimer's disease.
The benefits of Folate
- Support red blood cell production and help prevent anaemia.
- Help prevent homocysteine build-up in your blood.
- Support cell production, especially in your skin.
- Allow nerves to function properly.
- Help prevent osteoporosis-related bone fractures.
- Help prevent dementias including Alzheimer's disease.
Foods high in FOLATE include lettuce, spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, mustard greens, liver, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower, beetroot, and lentils, squash, black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, papaya and string beans.
The recommended daily intake of Folate for men and women aged over 14 years is 400 micrograms
Vitamin B
There are several forms of Vitamin B:
- B1 (thiamine)
- B2 (riboflavin)
- B3 (niacin)
- B5 (pantothenic acid)
- B6 (pyridoxine)
- B7 (biotin)
- B9 (folic acid)
- B12 (cyanocobalamin)
In addition, there are also other subgroups of vitamin B - B4 (adenine), B8 (inositol), B13, (orotic acid), B17 (amygdalin), B20 (carnitine), and more.
Foods high in Vitamin B include turkey, liver, liver oil, tuna, chilli peppers, lentils, bananas, potatoes, and tempeh (soy based), meats, dairy products and eggs are high in Vitamin B12. Oats, barley, wheat bran, avocado, salmon, Brazil nuts (and other nuts) are other good sources.
The benefits of Vitamin B
- Supports healthy metabolism.
- Helps maintain healthy skin and muscle tone.
- Improves immune system function.
- Improves nervous system function.
- Helps promote cell growth and division, including red blood cells.
- Helps combat symptoms of stress, depression, and cardiovascular disease.
Dr Ric Gordon insists that if you are a migraine sufferer and your current treatment is working, then do not change a thing! If it isn’t working, however, consult your GP and consider taking a multi vitamin that mainly contains the B group and Folate...
