Evidence supporting the use of: Niacin (vitamin B3)
For the health condition: Migraine
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Niacin (vitamin B3) has a history of traditional use in the support and management of migraines, though robust clinical scientific evidence is sparse. The traditional rationale stems from niacin’s vasodilatory effects, as it can cause the blood vessels to widen, leading to the characteristic “niacin flush.” Early anecdotal reports and small case series from the mid-20th century suggested that high doses of niacin, administered orally or sometimes intravenously, could abort migraine attacks or reduce their frequency. Some practitioners hypothesized that migraines are related to vascular constriction, and therefore, niacin’s vasodilatory properties could provide relief. These reports, however, were not substantiated by large, well-designed clinical trials. A few small studies and case reports have continued to emerge over the years, but they often lack rigorous methodology, use small sample sizes, or do not include appropriate controls or blinding. No major medical guidelines recommend niacin for migraine prevention or treatment, and systematic reviews do not support its efficacy based on currently available data. Most of the evidence supporting its use is therefore historical or anecdotal rather than scientific. While niacin is generally safe at recommended dietary levels, high-dose supplementation to achieve a therapeutic effect can cause side effects such as flushing, gastrointestinal upset, liver toxicity, and other adverse effects, which limits its practical use. In summary, while there is a traditional and anecdotal basis for niacin’s use in migraine, high-quality scientific validation is lacking.
Other ingredients used for Migraine
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
ashwagandha
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
black tea
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
Chinese salvia root
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
feverfew
fish oil
ginger
ginkgo biloba
gooseberry
gotu kola
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lavender
luteolin
magnesium
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
purple butterbur root
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
almond fruit
ubiquinol
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
atractylodes
blackboard tree
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
chrysanthemum
soursop
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Apple Cider Vinegar
Albizia
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blepharis
Balsam
Banyan
Brahmi
Butterbur
Bifidobacteria
Black Hellebore
Chinese Silkvine
Crocin
Creatine
Cannabidiol
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Folic Acid
Goldthread
Ketone Salts
Little ironweed
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by niacin (vitamin B3)
AlcoholismArteriosclerosis
Burning Feet or Hands
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Schizophrenia
Triglycerides (high)
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