Navigating the world of supplements for migraine prevention can be challenging. While many supplements have some evidence for treating migraine (such as magnesium and vitamin B2), knowing exactly which supplements to select and how to use them safely can be overwhelming given the hundreds of formulations available. This article shares key guidelines to streamline your selection process and help you find effective supplements for migraine relief.
Choosing the Right Supplements
Choose supplements that have been assigned an 8-digit Natural Product Number or “NPN.” An NPN indicates that a particular product has met Health Canada approval for manufacturing standards, product quality and safety. An NPN provides assurance that the product contains only the stated ingredients and is free of contaminants or other hidden ingredients. Caution must be exercised if purchasing supplements that are manufactured outside of Canada (for example online) as other countries may not have the same rigorous supplement regulation process, increasing risk of exposure to an unsafe product. NPNs are printed clearly on product labels, as seen in the image below.
Brand Considerations
No single supplement brand has demonstrated superiority over others. A generic brand (or store brand) should work just as well as a name-brand supplement. The key is to select a product that contains the active ingredient in the strength that has been recommended to you.
Special Considerations for Migraine-Specific Needs
Unfortunately, some supplements are not readily manufactured in strengths commonly recommended for migraine. For example, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is typically only found in 100 mg tablets. As the recommended dose for migraine prevention is 400 mg once daily, 4 tablets must be taken together to achieve the intended dose. If you are not able to find a formulation or strength, it’s always worth checking with your pharmacist as sometimes they can order in certain products or strengths that are not routinely stocked on their store shelves. Alternately, pharmacies that offer specialized compounding services may be able to work with you to prepare a custom supplement formulation.
Safety First
Check with your pharmacist before starting any new supplement to make sure it is safe to combine with any other medications or supplements you are already taking. Just because a product is natural does not guarantee it is safe or effective. Pharmacists have expertise in drug interactions and access to reputable drug information resources that may not be readily available to doctors or the general public.
Educational Resources
For an overview of natural supplements and nutraceuticals used for migraine prevention, see this post or watch our webinar on supplements for migraine. To deepen your understanding of specific supplements, reliable resources like “About Herbs” and “Medline Plus Herbs and Supplements” offer valuable insights into uses, side effects, interactions, and effectiveness.
Navigating the world of supplements for migraine involves informed decision-making based on safety, efficacy, and compliance with regulatory standards. By following these guidelines and leveraging reputable resources, you can make confident choices in managing migraine through supplementation.
References
For more information on natural health product regulation in Canada, visit Health Canada.
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