Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 for the prevention of migraine in women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Introduction: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), as a supplement with a special role in mitochondrial electron transport chain, has been suggested to have prophylactic effect on migraine attacks. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of CoQ10 supplementation in the prevention of migraine in conjunction with routine care. Methods: Eighty-four women with episodic migraine based on International Classification of Headache Disorder II were randomly allocated in to two groups to receive either 400 mg/day CoQ10 or placebo beside usual prophylactic drugs. Frequency, severity and duration of attacks and headache disability based on migraine specific questionnaires (Headache Impact Test, Migraine Specific Quality of Life and Migraine Disability Assessment) were assessed at the baseline, after 6 and 12 weeks. Results: Seventy-seven of 84 patients completed the study. The results showed significant effect of CoQ10 supplementation on frequency, severity and duration of attacks (All P < 0.001). The percent changes for frequency, severity and duration of attacks in CoQ10 compared to placebo group were -56.7 vs. -41.9, -46.6 vs. -30.1 and -60.0 vs. -37.8 respectively. The number-needed-to-treat for at least 50% reduction in migraine frequency, severity and duration were 4.5, 4.4 and 3.6 respectively. CoQ10 group also had better scores in migraine specific questionnaires at the end of the study compared to control group (All P < 0.001). There were no side-effects noted during the study. Conclusion: We concluded that CoQ10 supplementation provided in addition to current migraine prophylactic agents, is well tolerated and seems to be efficacious over time.