Coenzyme Q10 for Headaches

by Vorst Canada December 01, 2021

coenzyme q10 for headaches

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you’re looking for dietary supplements for headaches, you’ve probably found that coenzyme q10 has beneficial effects to prevent and manage migraine attacks. But you’d be tired to filter out any scientific evidence to prove this common claim.

In this article, we’ll help you in your research. There’s obvious scientific evidence that coenzyme q10 can be used as a potent therapeutic agent in the treatment and prevention of various types of headaches including migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. How? We’ll explore.

But, before we start how coenzyme q10 works for headaches, it’s worth knowing the basics of headaches first.

Table of contents

What are headaches?
Types of headaches
Causes of headaches
What is Coenzyme Q10?
How Coenzyme Q10 can help with headaches
How to take Coenzyme Q10
Precautions and side effects
Final words

What are headaches?

Headaches are conditions characterized by pain in any portion of the head. They may affect both sides or one side of the head. Headaches can be isolated to a certain region of the head or may radiate from one point to across the head.

Headaches may range from unpleasant throbbing sensations to sharp pains to dull aches depending on the underlying root causes. They can occur suddenly or may develop gradually and may last as short as a few minutes or as long as several days.

Types of headaches

There’re over 150 types of headaches. But, based on underlying causes they come into two major categories – primary and secondary.

Primary headaches – these headaches are those that aren’t associated with another disease condition. Primary headaches may include –

Migraines
Cluster headaches
Tension headaches
NDPH or new daily persistent headaches

Secondary headaches – these headaches are associated with another disease condition. Secondary headaches may be caused by –

Hypertension or High blood pressure
Sinus congestion
Head injury
Psychological trauma
Brain tumor
Infections such as meningitis
Issues in blood vessels in the brain
Medication overdose

Causes of headaches

Headaches result from overreacting signals that interact with normal functions of the brain, associated nerves, and blood vessels. During an episode of headache, an unusual mechanism activates certain nerves that affect blood vessels and brain muscles, causing pain by sending pain signals to the brain.

Triggers of migraines and other headaches may include –

Lack of sleep
Exposure to excessive noise or light
An incorrect prescription of eyeglass
Too tight headwear
High levels of stress
Neck and eye strain due to poor posture
Weather changes
Alcohol overuse
Changes in eating patterns
Medication overuse
Depression

What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is an essential fat-soluble compound that helps in many important bodily functions. It is present in all body cells mainly in the mitochondria and shows tremendous antioxidant properties.

Coenzyme q10 plays a key role in producing energy and fighting harmful molecules in the body.

Coenzyme q10 is naturally produced by the body, but it can be obtained from foods and dietary supplements too.

How Coenzyme Q10 can help with headaches

Several scientific studies have found that coenzyme q10 is effective in reducing the frequency of headaches especially migraines.

According to Cephalalgia, in one study scientists have found that coenzyme q10 was effective to decrease headache days by more than 50%.

In a 90-day study in 45 women aged from 18 to 50 years, experts have found that those supplemented with coenzyme q10 (400 mg per day) experienced noticeable reductions in the duration, severity, and frequency of migraines, in comparison to a placebo group.

Migraines or headaches are often linked with inflammation. Coenzyme q10 acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and shows beneficial effects in headaches and other inflammation-related diseases.

Researchers have discovered that the CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide, a pain protein) levels in the body are higher during an episode of headache. CoQ10 helps lower CGRP levels and can prevent headaches.

However, the efficacy of coenzyme q10 for headaches is well-recognized and recommended by multiple international organizations including the Canadian Headache Society (CHS), the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), and the American Headache Society (AHS).

How to take Coenzyme Q10

The actual dosage of coenzyme q10 varies depending on the frequency, severity, duration, and underlying causes of headaches. Coenzyme q10 can be used alone or with other preventive medications.

Coenzyme q10 supplements are available in several forms such as liquid-filled capsules, solid tablets, powders, and gummies. However, according to several studies, 100 mg to 300 mg of coenzyme q10 supplement per day might be helpful. But allow ample time (at least 3 months) to see any improvement.

Always check with your healthcare practitioner prior to using coenzyme q10 supplements so that he or she can determine whether it is right for you or how much you require.

Precautions and side effects

Most people don’t show any adverse effects from taking coenzyme q10 supplements. Nevertheless, some people may experience nausea, a burning sensation in the mouth, loss of appetite, or diarrhea. But these aren’t common.

Since no significant evidence is available on how coenzyme q10 can impact pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should consult with your doctor prior to taking the coq10 supplement if you’re breastfeeding, or pregnant, or planning to conceive soon.

You should always discuss with your healthcare provider before taking coq10 if you have any medical condition and taking any of these drugs –

Chemotherapy
Insulin
Blood-thinning medications like warfarin
Statins

Final words

While most prescription medications for headaches are likely to come with various unwanted side effects, coenzyme q10 offers safe and natural solutions for headaches. Besides, it plays a key role in many different bodily functions including producing energy, protecting cells from oxidative damages from free radicals, and many more.

Multiple international organizations that are specifically dedicated to headache medicine such as the Canadian Headache Society (CHS) and the American Headache Society (AMS) recommend coenzyme q10 as an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment and prevention of migraines and other types of headaches.

But, like with all supplements, you should always ask your healthcare expert prior to using coenzyme q10 to avoid any unwanted adverse effects.

Check out Vorst’s Coenzyme Q10 100 mg Capsules here.

Also Check out Vorst’s powerful antioxidant blend OPC-8 Vegan Capsules that contain coenzyme q10.

Disclaimer – This article contains only educational information, hence cannot be treated as a medical guideline.

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