Side Effects Not Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Some side effects of ascorbic acid may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common or rare
Impair The Effectiveness Of Niacin
Evidence suggests that taking vitamin C supplements may impair the bodys ability to increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol in people taking the combination drug niacin-simvastatin. This drug combines the vitamin niacin with the statin simvastatin , and people take it to treat high cholesterol.
Doctors consider HDL cholesterol the good cholesterol because it reduces the amount of harmful cholesterol in the blood.
If a person takes vitamin C supplements and niacin-simvastatin, they should talk to their doctor about ways to make each more effective. Doctors do not know whether vitamin C also affects the ability of other medicines similar to Zocor.
A persons body cannot make vitamin C, so people need to eat enough foods that contain vitamin C to meet their daily needs. If someone is at risk of a vitamin C deficiency, they can take vitamin C supplements.
The advise aiming for the following RDA of vitamin C each day:
| Age | |
| 90 mg | 75 mg |
People who smoke should take 35 mg more vitamin C per day than those who do not smoke.
During pregnancy or when breastfeeding, women should get the following levels of vitamin C per day:
- 1418 years: 80 mg during pregnancy and 115 mg when breastfeeding
- 19 years and older: 85 mg during pregnancy and 120 mg when breastfeeding
There is not enough research to suggest an RDA for vitamin C in those younger than 1 year of age. As a result, the ODS provide an adequate intake, which is the amount that is likely to be sufficient:
- broccoli
General Warnings For Supplements
Vitamin and mineral supplements can affect people differently. Each person taking the same supplement may experience different side effects or none at all. As a general caution, health sites including Drugs.com report that all multivitamins could cause side effects, including upset stomach and headache. However, these effects are not considered serious unless they’re accompanied by hives, difficulty in breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. These symptoms likely indicate an allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention.
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What They Are Used For
A dietary supplement is a product that contains ingredients to supplement your diet. The dietary ingredients in these products may include: vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes. People take supplements for a variety of reasons, but usually to boost their diet or to try and help with their health.
Many people with migraine try supplements to help their symptoms. There are many different supplements that claim to be helpful for migraine and headache. However, there is limited evidence about how effective these are. Only a few have some evidence to show potential benefit including riboflavin , magnesium and Co-enzyme Q10.
Dietary Intake Of Calcium And Magnesium In Relation To Severe Headache Or Migraine
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
Background: Migraine is a common neurological disorder and is affected by nutrients. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals that play an important role in nerve function. So we investigated the association between dietary calcium and magnesium and migraine.
Methods: We extracted 10,798 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys of America in 1999 to 2004. We classified patients who reported having severe headache or migraine as having possible migraine. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression were conducted to determine the association between dietary calcium and magnesium and migraine.
Results: We found that the adjusted ORs of the association between dietary calcium and magnesium and migraine for comparing the highest quintile intake with the lowest quintile intake were 0.77 and 0.69 , respectively. For women, the adjusted ORs of dietary calcium and magnesium were 0.72 and 0.62 , respectively. For men, the adjusted OR was 0.71 comparing the highest and the lowest quintile of calcium intake, but there was no statistically significant association between dietary magnesium intake and migraine. Joint analyses showed that the OR in the high-calcium and high-magnesium group was 0.74 compared with the low-calcium and low-magnesium group in women.
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Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency has many symptoms, which often go undetected or are thought to be related to another illness. Symptoms vary for each patient, depending on the severity of their deficiency. Common symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include joint pain, weak or cramping muscles, frequent bone fractures, weight gain, moodiness, fatigue, depression and headaches.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to serious long term problems if it is not addressed. Bone diseases can develop due to the lack of calcium, some of these include osteomalacia, osteoporosis and rickets. Teeth can become more susceptible to cavities. Autoimmune disorders may also develop due to the immune systems reliance upon the vitamin. If you feel you Vitamin D deficient, get a Vitamin D test and find out!
When Should I Seek Immediate Help Or Contact My Healthcare Provider
- You are experiencing the worst headache of my life.
- You are having neurologic symptoms that youve never had before, including speaking difficulty, balance problems, vision problems, mental confusion, seizures or numbing/tingling sensations.
- Your headache comes on suddenly.
- You have a headache after experiencing a head injury.
Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider if:
- The number or severity of your headaches increase or your headache pattern changes.
- Your medications no longer seem to be working or youre experiencing new or different side effects.
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Nutraceuticals And Migraine Treatment
Studies have shown that 80% of people with headache disorders have used some form of alternative medicine, including nutraceuticals, for headache treatment, said Dr. Chua. And there is some value to moving forward with this option. Multiple studies have been conducted evaluating non-pharmacological treatments for their efficacy and safety. The most common are:
- Magnesiuma mineral used to prevent migraine attacks
- Riboflavina vitamin also known as B2, which in high doses has been shown to prevent migraine attack
- Co-enzyme Q10 an antioxidant that, when taken regularly for migraine prevention, has been shown to reduce frequency and intensity of migraine
Feverfewa plant that can be used as a preventive treatment for migraineis another commonly used nutraceutical, but its effectiveness has not been well-proven in studies.
Other alternatives often cited for migraine treatment include butterbur, tree bark, lavender, peppermint, and ginkgo biloba, and there are tons and tons of others out there, Dr. Chua said, but there is less evidence available that supports their efficacy.
What Vitamins Am I Missing As A Vegetarian
However, if your diet isnt planned properly, you could miss out on essential nutrients. Vegetarians need to make sure they get enough iron and vitamin B12, and vegans enough calcium, iron and vitamin B12. Women are thought to be at particular risk of iron deficiency, including those on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
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How Are Migraines Treated
Migraine headaches are chronic. They cant be cured, but they can be managed and possibly improved. There are two main treatment approaches that use medications: abortive and preventive.
- Abortive medications are most effective when you use them at the first sign of a migraine. Take them while the pain is mild. By possibly stopping the headache process, abortive medications help stop or decrease your migraine symptoms, including pain, nausea, light sensitivity, etc. Some abortive medications work by constricting your blood vessels, bringing them back to normal and relieving the throbbing pain.
- Preventive medications may be prescribed when your headaches are severe, occur more than four times a month and are significantly interfering with your normal activities. Preventive medications reduce the frequency and severity of the headaches. Medications are generally taken on a regular, daily basis to help prevent migraines.
Vitamins B6 B12 And Folic Acid
Studies showed that vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, taken over six months, had visibly reduced the frequency of Migraine attacks
Experts recommend an average of 400 milligrams of B complex a day. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is also essential for the body, as it provides energy, through the metabolism of fats. Deficiency of this vitamin can hinder the normal functioning of the body, and may even trigger a Migraine attack.
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Who Gets Migraines What Are The Risk Factors
Its difficult to predict who may get a migraine and who may not, but there are risk factors that may make you more vulnerable. These risk factors include:
- Genetics: Up to 80% of people who get migraine headaches have a first-degree relative with the disease.
- Gender. Migraine headaches happen to women more than men, especially women between the ages of 15 and 55. Its likely more common in women because of the influence of hormones.
- Stress level. You may get migraines more often if youre high-stress. Stress can trigger a migraine.
- Smoking.
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
- Will my child grow out of their migraines?
- What medications do you recommend for me?
- What should I change about my lifestyle to prevent my migraine headaches?
- Should I get tested?
- What type of migraine do I have?
- What can my friends and family do to help?
- Are my migraines considered chronic?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Migraine headaches can be devastating and make it impossible to go to work, school or experience other daily activities. Fortunately, there are some ways to possibly prevent a migraine and other ways to help you manage and endure the symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to keep migraines from ruling your life.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/03/2021.
References
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Why Is B2 Good For Migraines
There is no evidence that vitamin B-2, often known as riboflavin, helps prevent migraines. It may have an influence on how cells utilize energy, according to Mark W. Sullivan, M.D., of the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. This role could be relevant for preventing migraine attacks or reducing their intensity, but it would not prevent them outright.
However, research has shown that some people with migraines benefit from vitamin B-2 supplements. The most effective dose of riboflavin for these individuals is not clear, but many take 1 to 3 mg per day, suggested by doctors Steven E. Nadeau and David L. Swartz of the Migraine Research Laboratory at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
Riboflavin is found in milk products, meat, fish, eggs, certain vegetables, and certain fruits. The main source of this vitamin is milk products , followed by meats and poultry . Other major sources are wheat germ and soybeans .
Vitamin B-2 is involved in many reactions within the body. It is needed to make other vitamins – especially niacin – and enzymes.
Stop Taking Vitamin C Supplements If Youre Overdosing
However, the easiest and best way to handle a Vitamin C overdose is to either lower your daily intake significantly or stop taking the supplement altogether. That does not mean you need to stop eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C.
In most cases, lowering or eliminating Vitamin C in supplement form should be enough to eliminate most or all overdose symptoms. Drinking more water should also help to flush out your body and help you recover from an overdose.
However, be careful how much water you drink. Too much water or drinking a high volume of water too quickly can significantly reduce your sodium levels and lead to death.
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Vitamins B6 B9 And B12
The flavoenzyme 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase regulates the flow of folate between the production of nucleotides and the supply of methyl groups during methionine synthesis and has major effects on the distribution of intracellular folate . MTHFR also plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of migraine and hyperhomocysteinemia. The MTHFR enzyme encoded by MTHFR catalyzes the reduction of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, an ethyl group donor to the intermediary metabolite homocysteine during its metabolism to methionine. Methionine is used in the synthesis of the universal methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine. Upon donation of the methyl group, S-adenosylmethionine is converted to S-adenosylhomocysteine, which is subsequently hydrolyzed to homocysteine and adenosine .
Hyperhomocysteinemia is caused by abnormal methionine biosynthesis due to deficiencies in folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 . Folate is also needed to drive the methionine synthesis pathway, as a lack of dietary folate and/or reduced MTHFR enzymatic activity can result in increased homocysteine levels in blood plasma . This relationship makes homocysteine a key intermediate in one-carbon metabolism and further clarifies the involvement of B vitamins in transferring one-carbon units and their relation to the plasma concentrations of total homocysteine .
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A Magnesium Deficiency Can Contribute To Headaches
Magnesium helps the body regulate nerve and muscle function, maintain blood sugar levels, and regulate blood pressure. Dr. Sara Crystal, MD, Neurologist and Headache Specialist, andCove medical advisor, told INSIDER there is good evidence that magnesium deficiency can contribute to migraines. Thats why she said many people find magnesium supplements helpful in treating these symptoms.
Since magnesium is considered a natural relaxer of the muscle and nervous system, Morrison said its not surprising that a lack of this mineral causes muscle tension, cramps, insomnia and widespread pain, including headaches. Good food sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, fortified foods like breakfast cereal, milk, and yogurt.
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Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Along with its needed effects, ascorbic acid may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking ascorbic acid:
Less common or rare
- Side or lowerback pain
Vitamin D Chronic Migraine And Extracranial Pain: Is There A Link Data From An Observational Study
- 1Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Sette Laghi di Varese, Varese, Italy
- 2Endocrine Unit, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- 3Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- 4Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Medical Humanities, Center of Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- 5Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- 6Department of Biotechnologies and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Whats A Migraine What Does A Migraine Feel Like
A migraine is a common neurological disease that causes a variety of symptoms, most notably a throbbing, pulsing headache on one side of your head. Your migraine will likely get worse with physical activity, lights, sounds or smells. It may last at least four hours or even days. About 12% of Americans have this genetic disorder. Research shows that its the sixth most disabling disease in the world.
Can Vitamin B2 Deficiency Cause Headaches
Migraine headaches have been linked to vitamin B2 deficiency. Although all of the B vitamins help to prevent headaches, vitamin B2 appears to be the most effective. Riboflavin is needed for the production of red blood cells and helps protect against oxidative stress, which has been linked to migraine headaches.
Vitamin B2 is found in dairy products, meats, whole grains, vegetables, and yeast extracts. The daily recommended amount of riboflavin is 1.6 mg for adults 50 years of age or older and younger than 50 years of age requiring less than 1.6 mg per day. Younger individuals may need more depending on their activity level. Women of child-bearing age should not consume more than 2.4 mg of riboflavin daily.
Too little riboflavin can lead to chronic fatigue, headache, irritability, depression, and weakness. Too much riboflavin can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary problems, and skin rashes. Long-term use of riboflavin supplements has not been shown to be safe for children or adults. Recommended doses must be used with caution if you are pregnant or breast-feeding because higher amounts of riboflavin can be passed through the body in these cases.
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No Evidence For An Association Of Vitamin D Deficiency And Migraine: A Systematic Review Of The Literature
Giuseppe Lippi
1Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Academic Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
2U.O. Diagnostica Ematochimica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 14 Via Gramsci, 43126 Parma, Italy
3Emergency Department, Academic Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
4Service of Clinical Governance, General Hospital of Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy
Abstract
1. Introduction
The generic term vitamin D comprehends a number of fat-soluble secosteroids that exert a multitude of biological functions in vertebrates. In humans, the most important compounds are represented by ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol . The former molecule is not constitutively produced by plants or vertebrates but mainly originates from phytoplankton, fungi, and invertebrates. At variance with ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol is actively synthesized in humans and can also be assumed with the diet by ingestion of animal sources, especially liver, fish, eggs, or yolks .
As such, the aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the current scientific literature about the potential epidemiological association between serum vitamin D and migraine.
2. Search Criteria
3. Overview on Epidemiological Data
Flow diagram of study selection about the association between total serum vitamin D values and migraine.4. Conclusions
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