For headaches, some people turn to supplements that may help alleviate symptoms. Here are a few supplements commonly considered for headache relief:

1. Magnesium: Some studies suggest that magnesium deficiency may be linked to migraines and headaches¹. Taking magnesium supplements might help reduce the frequency of headaches in deficient individuals.

2. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): This vitamin has been studied for its potential to reduce the frequency and duration of migraines².

3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 is thought to improve mitochondrial function and has been associated with reducing migraine frequency³.

4. Feverfew: An herbal supplement that has been used traditionally for migraine prevention⁴.

5. Butterbur: Though not as commonly used, butterbur is sometimes recommended for migraine prevention⁴. However, it's important to use prepared butterbur products that are free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be harmful to the liver.

It's crucial to discuss with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Footnotes

1. Peikert, A., Wilimzig, C., & Köhne-Volland, R. (1996). Prophylaxis of migraine with oral magnesium: Results from a prospective, multi-center, placebo-controlled and double-blind randomized study. Cephalalgia, 16(4), 257-263. ↩

2. Schoenen, J., Jacquy, J., & Lenaerts, M. (1998). Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial. Neurology, 50(2), 466-470. ↩

3. Sandor, P. S., Di Clemente, L., Coppola, G., Saenger, U., Fumal, A., Magis, D., & Schoenen, J. (2005). Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial. Neurology, 64(4), 713-715. ↩

4. Pfaffenrath, V., & Diener, H. C. (2002). The efficacy and safety of feverfew extracts in migraine prophylaxis: A double-blind, multicentre, randomized placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia, 22(7), 523-532. ↩ ↩²