According to a recent study by Magis and colleagues (Headache 2007;47:52-57) daily dose of 600 mg of alpha lipoic acid (also known as thioctic acid) was significantly better than placebo in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks, headache days and pain severity. This natural supplement is being investigated as a treatment for multiple sclerosis and HIV disease and it may be helpful for patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well as diabetes, strokes and heart attacks. Since the publication of this study we have been recommending alpha lipoic acid to many of our migraine patients.
