From the Research
Thiamine supplementation is recommended for patients with headache symptoms, particularly those with thiamine deficiency or certain types of headaches like cluster headaches, with a typical dosage of 100-300 mg daily. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which suggests that thiamine plays a crucial role in energy metabolism in the brain and that deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms including headaches 1. The study published in 2018 in the journal Case reports in neurological medicine found that oral high-dose thiamine improved the symptoms of chronic cluster headache, suggesting that thiamine deficiency may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease 1. Key points to consider when recommending thiamine supplementation for headache symptoms include:
- Starting with a lower dose (around 50-100 mg) and gradually increasing if needed
- Taking thiamine with food to improve absorption
- Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medications
- Being aware of the potential for thiamine deficiency in certain populations, including heavy alcohol users, people with malabsorption conditions, those with diabetes, and the elderly 2, 3, 4, 5. It's also important to note that while thiamine supplementation is generally considered safe with few side effects, prompt recognition and treatment of thiamine deficiency is important to prevent permanent neurological deficits or fatal outcomes 5.