reader mail You ask. We answer.
Looking for answers? You’ re not alone. In every issue of Head Wise, our experts respond to a series of reader-submitted questions that might provide just the help you’ ve been searching for.
MIRACLE CURE?
What does the research show about taking magnesium supplements for migraines? I was reading a book called The Magnesium Miracle, and it said 300 mg supplements might be able to help migraine sufferers. The book also spoke of combining magnesium with B2 and feverfew. The health food store was selling a supplement like this, but I wasn’ t sure about it. Do you have any advice on taking magnesium supplements for migraine treatment?— Ellen F.
The clinical trials that have been conducted on taking magnesium to prevent migraine suggest that it might have some benefit, but less so than has been found with a number of prescriptive, preventive medicines. The best evidence for it as a successful preventive treatment appears to be in short course treatment of menstrually associated migraine. There is similarly limited evidence for treatment with B2 and feverfew. The most effective form of feverfew is only available in Europe.
Other than diarrhea, there is little risk of adverse events with magnesium. Some prefer the magnesium
10 HEAD WISE | Volume 1, Issue 2 • 2011