From the Guidelines
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may be considered as a potential preventive treatment for migraines, but the provided evidence does not specifically support its use for this purpose. The evidence provided focuses on pharmacologic treatments for the prevention of episodic migraine headache, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, SSRIs, and other medications, but does not mention CoQ10 as a recommended treatment option 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The American College of Physicians (ACP) clinical guideline for the prevention of episodic migraine headache does not include CoQ10 as a recommended treatment option.
- The guideline recommends considering ACE inhibitors, ARBs, SSRIs, and other medications for the prevention of episodic migraine headache, but emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment decisions based on patient preferences and economic circumstances.
- While CoQ10 may have potential benefits for mitochondrial function and inflammation, its effectiveness for migraine prevention is not supported by the provided evidence.
Recommendations for Clinical Practice
- Consult with a healthcare provider before starting CoQ10 or any other supplement, especially if taking blood thinners or other medications.
- Consider established pharmacologic treatments for migraine prevention, such as those recommended by the ACP guideline, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Monitor treatment efficacy and adjust as needed to minimize adverse effects and optimize outcomes.
From the Research
Coenzyme Q10 and Migraine Prevention
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been studied as a potential supplement for preventing migraines, with several studies suggesting its effectiveness in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A 2017 study found that CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, with a mean decrease of 1.6 attacks per month and a mean decrease of 2.3 in headache severity 2.
- Another study published in 2007 found that CoQ10 deficiency was common in pediatric and adolescent migraine patients, and that supplementation with CoQ10 resulted in significant improvements in headache frequency and disability 3.
- A 2025 narrative review suggested that CoQ10 may have potential therapeutic properties in migraine patients due to its anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress-reducing properties, and that it may contribute to improving mitochondrial function and energy supply to brain cells 4.
- A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis found that CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced the frequency of migraine attacks, but had no significant effect on severity or duration 5.
- A 2019 meta-analysis found that CoQ10 was more effective than placebo in reducing migraine days per month and migraine duration, but not in reducing migraine attacks per month or migraine severity per day 6.
Potential Benefits of CoQ10 for Migraine
- Reduction in frequency of migraine attacks 2, 5
- Reduction in severity of migraine attacks 2
- Reduction in duration of migraine attacks 6
- Improvement in headache disability 3
- Potential therapeutic properties due to anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress-reducing effects 4
Safety and Efficacy
- CoQ10 has been found to have a favorable safety profile, with no significant side effects reported in several studies 2, 3, 5, 6.
- The efficacy of CoQ10 for migraine prevention has been demonstrated in several studies, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and optimal dosage 4, 5, 6.