Combining supplements

Every patient visiting our clinic undergoes a routine blood test, which includes an assessment for magnesium and vitamin deficiencies. We know that close to 50% of patients with migraines are deficient in magnesium and many are deficient in riboflavin and other nutrients.

In addition to vitamins and magnesium, we often recommend herbal supplements. One of the herbal remedies that has been used for centuries, is feverfew. It is helpful not only for migraines but also for fever, arthritis, and other conditions. Often referred to as “medieval aspirin”. Most importantly, it has proven to be safe, that is if it is manufactured by a reputable company or you grow your own.

Many patients find it daunting to have to take multiple tablets every day. There are several products on the market that combine various supplements in one tablet. One such supplement that has been on the market the longest, includes magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and feverfew. I’ve helped develop and promote this combination, so I may be biased. However, it has high-quality ingredients and the same experienced and knowledgeable team that developed it still stands behind it.

Some products also include CoQ10. One-third of migraine sufferers are deficient in this supplement. Because CoQ10 is relatively expensive, many combination products contain insufficient amounts of it. I usually check CoQ10 levels in the blood and if a patient is deficient, I recommend that she takes it separately, 200-300 mg a day.

An important consideration is that you may have a vitamin or RBC magnesium level within the normal range, but if your level is at the bottom of this range, you are likely to be deficient. RBC magnesium level should be above 5, CoQ10 level, above 0.7, vitamin D level, above 45, and vitamin B12 level, above 500.