Posted
Monday, April 06, 2009
One in ten people suffer from migraines, and many more from headaches. Your chances of suffering are higher if you have a high homocysteine level, or are born with the genes that make you more likely to have high homocysteine. The gene in question affects an enzyme called MTHFR. These people need more B vitamins than others. For this reason scientists from the Genomics Research Centre (GRC) at Griffith University in Brisbane decided to investigate the impact of giving migraine sufferers supplements of homocysteine lowering B vitamins (B6, B12 and folic acid). They recruited 52 people diagnosed with migraine. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin supplements providing a daily dose of 2mg of folic acid, 25mg vitamin B6, and 400 micrograms of B12, or placebo, for six months. These levels are at least 10 times RDA levels.
Results showed a reduction in homocysteine levels by 39 per cent, compared to baseline, and statistically significant compared to placebo. Furthermore, the supplements were associated with a reduction in the prevalence of migraine disability from 60 per cent at the start of the study to 30 per cent after 6 months. No reduction was observed in the placebo group, said the researchers.
Previous research had shown that vitamin B2, another important factor for healthy methylation, also reduces migraines. So, if you suffer from migraines it’s well worth your while known your homocysteine level, which can be tested on a home test kit, and possibly taking a supplement containing all the key nutrients for methylation (B2, B6, folic acid, B12, TMG and zinc).
If you suffer from migraines what else have you found that works?
I find Feverfew very helpful in the control of migraine. Regarding B vitamins, I had an endoscopic mucosal resection due to Barretts several years ago and now have to take proton pump inhibitors to control acid production. I understand that because of this I may not be absorbing B12 - what is the best way to counteract this?
Posted by G PAYNE on 05/01 at 08:51 PM
The most absorbable form of B12 is methylB12 (methylcobalamine). Although your absorption may not be up to scratch if you take large enough amounts - eg 500-1000mcg, you are likely to absorb what you need. By the end of next week we will have posted a Special Report on the five drugs I like the least - and why. Proton pump inhibitors is one of these. My book ‘Improve Your Digestion’ discusses the reasons for, and natural solutions for excess stomach acid production. You might want to check it out.
Posted by patrick on 05/02 at 10:56 AM
Thanks for info, Patrick, will certainly try your suggestion, also your book although I don’t think I particularly over produce acid it is more a mechanical problem (hiatus hernia). My Barretts was in the third stage - no where to go but to cancer - proton pump medication is only thing stopping it getting to that stage again - unless you can suggest something better!
Posted by G PAYNE on 05/02 at 09:58 PM
