The effect of 1 mg folic acid supplementation on clinical outcomes in female migraine with aura patients

Background Migraine is a common neurovascular condition that may be linked to hyperhomocysteinemia. We have previously provided evidence that reduction of homocysteine with a vitamin supplementation can reduce the occurrence of migraine in women. The current study examined the occurrence of migraine in response to vitamin supplementation with a lower dose of folic acid. Methods This was a 6 month randomised, double blinded placebo controlled trial of daily vitamin supplementation containing 1 mg of folic acid, 25 mg of Vitamin B 6 and Vitamin B 12, on reduction of homocysteine and the occurrence of migraine in 300 female patients diagnosed with migraine with aura. Results Vitamin supplementation with 1 mg of folic acid, did not significantly decrease homocysteine levels ( P = 0.2). The treatment group did not show a significant decrease in the percentage of participants with high migraine disability, severity or frequency at the end of the 6 month intervention ( P > 0.1). Conclusion 1 mg of folic acid in combination with vitamin B 6 and B 12 is less effective in reducing migraine associated symptoms compared to the previously tested dosage of 2 mg folic acid in combination with 25 mg of vitamin B 6 and 400 μg of vitamin B 12.