Many people with migraine seek non-medication strategies to help improve their condition. A recent study highlights Vitamin D as a promising supplement for migraine prevention. Discover how this vitamin might reduce migraine frequency and why it could be a valuable addition to your migraine management plan.
What’s the research on Vitamin D for treating migraine?
Past research on the role of Vitamin D in migraine has been conflicting. Some studies have suggested that patients with migraine have lower blood Vitamin D levels, but large combined studies have not been able to demonstrate a change in migraine after Vitamin D supplementation.
Good news — Vitamin D may soon be included in the list of recommended vitamins for migraine prevention! In a study by Danish researchers, 48 participants were randomly assigned to receive either Vitamin D (100 micrograms, equivalent to 4000 International Units) or a placebo daily for 6 months. At the end of the study, patients treated with Vitamin D had higher blood Vitamin D levels, as expected. They also experienced a reduction in their average number of migraine days per month, with about 3 fewer days per month in the treatment group compared to only 1 less day per month in the placebo group.
Vitamin D and Sun Exposure
Vitamin D levels in Canadians tend to be low due to our relative lack of sun exposure. Vitamin D supplementation may be a low-risk way for many patients to decrease their migraine burden. It should be noted that excess Vitamin D can be toxic, so patients should speak to their healthcare providers to help optimize their dose. However, Vitamin D is generally very safe and well-tolerated. Unlike many other supplements and medications, Vitamin D supplementation is recommended during pregnancy. Vitamin D may be an excellent addition to your preventative strategies.
For more information, please see our post on natural supplements for migraine prevention.
Reference
- Gazerani P, Fuglsang R, Pedersen JG, et al. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel trial of vitamin D3 supplementation in adult patients with migraine. Curr Med Res Opin. 2019;35(4):715-723. doi:10.1080/03007995.2018.1519503
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