Have your migraines been occurring more often than usual, or are they getting worse lately? Worry no more—Coenzyme Q10 could be your next hero antioxidant!

What is CoQ10? What does it have to do with my migraines? 

CoQ10 is a potent fat-soluble antioxidant that is naturally produced and stored in the mitochondrion—a part of the cell that serves as your body’s energy factories. Hard at work 24/7, the mitochondrion ensures that CoQ10 levels are high enough to leave you feeling recharged each morning and energized all day. 

However, even with a well-maintained balanced diet and other healthy lifestyle choices, levels of CoQ10 in your body decline as you age. Low levels of CoQ10 are even associated with migraines, an intense (and even debilitating) headache characterized by throbbing and pulsing pain on one side of the head. According to the Seminars in Pediatric Neurology journal, migraine headaches can be triggered by energy failure in brain cells due to abnormal mitochondrial function, high levels of free radicals, and weakened antioxidant protection. 

But, there is good news: Your body can absorb CoQ10 through food sources and supplements! Fuel energy-starved cells with CoQ10—this supplement could provide them the support that they need in order to perform biological functions, communicate with other cells, and make way for normal cellular growth & development. 

CoQ10 may reduce the duration and frequency of migraine attacks 

According to a 2019 analysis of five clinical studies on 346 patients, CoQ10 decreased migraine episode length as well as the number of migraine days per month versus placebo intake.  

A separate 2021 analysis, which examined six clinical studies on 371 adults ranging from 18 to 50 years old, reported similar findings including reduced migraine attack frequency. The studies differed in dosages used, (see comment re migraine severity from the study. 

A large study, which was published in the ​​Journal of Head and Face Pain, found that 1,550 migraine patients with depleted CoQ10 levels reported having fewer and less severe migraines following CoQ10 supplementation. However, further studies are needed to verify this. 

CoQ10 helps combat inflammation associated with migraines 

A 2018 clinical study from the Nutritional Neuroscience journal examined whether CoQ10 supplementation would decrease inflammatory markers in 45 non-menopausal women struggling with episodic migraines. The participants were administered a daily dosage of 400 milligrams of either CoQ10 or a placebo drug. 

By the end of the study, those who consumed CoQ10 supplements exhibited reduced inflammatory biomarkers and reported improvements in the severity and frequency of their migraine attacks compared to the placebo group. 

Clinical implications 

While these and other existing studies do not verify CoQ10’s ability to treat migraine headaches or guarantee neurological health, they point to the nutrient’s potential in helping individuals manage the frequency and severity of their migraines, both of which can impact their quality of life. Nonetheless, CoQ10 may still be consumed to supplement your efforts in staying healthy. 

Get the most out of CoQ10’s potential benefits to migraine headaches by making other healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a well-balanced diet, constant hydration, regular exercise, and adequate sleep—all of which contribute to your holistic health. 

Recommended dosage 

The typical recommended intake starts at 300 milligrams daily, but the dosage may vary depending on your preferences and the conditions you wish to manage. 

It is highly advised to consult with a medical professional before taking CoQ10 supplements, especially if you have any other existing health conditions or chronic illnesses.

References: Click here