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