Protocol · Neurological
Migraine Prevention Protocol
Magnesium (Citrate or Glycinate), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and Coenzyme Q10 are the core of this stack, with 3 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Migraine Prevention.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
6 supplements · 6 graded · 3 confirmed studies
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Magnesium (Citrate or Glycinate) | Amount listed: 400–600 mg daily | Blocks NMDA receptors, reduces cortical spreading depression, and prevents vasospasm
| Grade D for Cramps8 studies · 157 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Magnesium (Citrate or Glycinate) (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | Amount listed: 400 mg daily | Supports mitochondrial energy production; migraines linked to mitochondrial dysfunction
| Grade D for Migraine Frequency1 study · 181 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 100–300 mg daily | Mitochondrial cofactor that addresses energy deficit in migraine pathophysiology
| Grade C for Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide45 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Coenzyme Q10 (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Feverfew | Amount listed: 100–150 mg daily (standardized to 0.2–0.4% parthenolide) | Parthenolide inhibits prostaglandins, serotonin release, and platelet aggregation
| Grade D for Migraine Frequency4 studies · 406 people | ||
| Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) | Amount listed: 75 mg PA-free extract twice daily | Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic; reduces leukotriene synthesis
| Grade B for Migraine Frequency400 people | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA/DHA daily | Reduces neurogenic inflammation and modulates serotonin pathways
| Grade C for Migraine Frequency38 people | ||
How this protocol works
In plain language
Migraines involve cortical spreading depression, trigeminal nerve activation, neurogenic inflammation, and potentially mitochondrial dysfunction. This protocol targets multiple pathways to reduce migraine frequency.
- Magnesium is so effective that the American Academy of Neurology rates it Level B for migraine prevention. Up to 50% of migraine sufferers are magnesium deficient. It blocks the NMDA receptors involved in pain signaling and prevents the cortical spreading depression that triggers migraine aura.
- Riboflavin (B2) at 400mg daily reduces migraine frequency by 50% in studies. It supports mitochondrial energy production—and mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to underlie many migraines.
- CoQ10 also supports mitochondrial function. Studies show it can reduce migraine frequency by 30-50%.
- Feverfew is a traditional herb that's been used for centuries for headaches. It inhibits inflammatory compounds involved in migraine.
- Butterbur had Level A evidence from the American Academy of Neurology. Use only PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free) products to avoid liver toxicity.
- Omega-3s reduce the neurogenic inflammation involved in migraines.
Combination approach works best: Magnesium + riboflavin + CoQ10 together are often called the "mitochondrial cocktail" for migraine prevention.
Expected timeline: Allow 3 months for full preventive effect. Keep a headache diary to track improvement.